July 6th, 2017 Edition by The St. Louis American

St. LouiS AmericAn

Black teen files wrongful incarceration suit against St. Louis

By Rebecca

incarceration

against the City of St. Louis and several of its public safety officials on Thursday, June 22. Destiny Payne, then 18, was hanging out with a group of friends on the Delmar Loop

ESL race ‘pogrom’ remembered

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Most of America spent the weekend at cookouts, watching fireworks and celebrating the birth of our nation.

The fact that people from across the region paid their respects as black people of East St. Louis mourned ancestors who experienced one of the bloodiest incidents of racially motivated terrorism in U.S. history 100 years ago speaks to the irony of the African-American experience.

n “I call it a ‘race war’ because that’s what our father, uncles and Aunt Dot referred to it as –race war.”

– Dhati M. Kennedy

The event is commonly referred to as the East St. Louis Race Riots of 1917, though none of the speakers at a host of events over the course of three days that took place on both sides of the river to commemorate the centennial of the tragedy seemed to want to call it that.

“I call it a ‘race war’ because that’s what our father, uncles and Aunt Dot referred to it as – race war,” said Dhati M. Kennedy, brother of St. Louis Ald. Terry Kennedy, at a panel discussion Saturday afternoon at Better Family Life. “People didn’t just

World-class cancer care comes to N. County

Siteman Cancer Center opens location at Christian Hospital

Siteman Cancer Center began treating patients at Christian Hospital in north St. Louis County on July 1.

Based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, the new location is Siteman’s fifth location in the St. Louis area.

Siteman Cancer Center at Christian Hospital will offer the North County community convenient access to nationally recognized cancer care, including clinical trials evaluating innovative cancer therapies. It will serve residents in North St. Louis,

n “We look forward to continue serving the people of North St. Louis and Southern Illinois, including those who are medically underserved, and to offering patients even more treatment options.”

– Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital

North St. Louis County, Southern Illinois and the region.

Timothy J. Ebelein, MD, Siteman’s director, described Christian Hospital as a pillar of the North St. Louis commu-

See CANCER, A6

January 7, 1957 – July 3, 2017

See PAYNE, A7

Rivas Of The St. Louis American

19-year-old AfricanAmerican woman filed a wrongful

lawsuit

Photo by Wiley Price

East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks and St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson led nearly 300 people on a march to the Eads Bridge from East St. Louis on Sunday, July 2, retracing the steps of African Americans who fled a massacre at the hands of whites in East St. Louis 100 years ago.

finish placing the sign on top of Siteman Cancer Center’s newest location, at Christian Hospital in north St. Louis County. Siteman officially started treating patients there on July 1.

Hubert H. Hoosman Jr

Rob Kardashian blasts Blac Chyna

Rob Kardashian and ex Blac Chyna are back to blasting each other on social media accounts. Kardashian spilled serious tea over the weekend about his former boo via Instagram.

“All of you may think my daughter may see this one day and I hope she does cuz this isn’t love. I never want my daughter to be raised by a woman like Chyna who cheats and does drugs and alcohol with my baby in the house. Chyna been like this long before me but I chose to love all of her cuz I don’t judge. But the second baby was born she got body surgery that I paid for and was gone from me and Dream’s life. She could only breastfeed for four weeks because she wanted to drink alcohol so bad.

little sister took her baby daddy.”*

Chyna responded with claims that Kardashian was physically abusive towards her.

“Rob, you did all this but you beat me up and try to act like it never happened,” Chyna said. “I’m supposed to be quiet because you’re a Kardashian.”

‘4:44’ goes platinum

Less than a week after the release of JAYZ’s surprise album, “4:44,” the project has already been certified platinum. The Recording Industry Association of America took to social media to break the news.

A post from the RIAA says that with the latest platinum certification, JAY-Z has the distinction of having more platinum (or higher) albums than any other hip-hop artist.

Joseline continues with shots at Mona Scott Young

Former “Love and Hip Hop

accusations against Scott Young and the show she created.

“You turn your cast against each other. Your producers tell lies and tell us to fight each other,” Hernandez said. “You are the cause of companies not giving young talented Hispanics and blacks opportunities because you make us look crazy. I will let it be known that you’ve covered disturbing life events. You throw the ball and then hide. Stop trying to use something I’ve done 3-4 years ago to make it seem like I’m uncontrollable. You would have never let me executive produce a Show for the series of ‘Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta’ if I was everything you said I was. Now I will see you in court.”*

Kanye West reportedly cut ties with Tidal

Two days after JAY-Z’s new album dropped with a few shots at former The Throne partner, Kanye West, TMZ is reporting that West is severing ties with the streaming service owned by his former BFF.

owes him money – more than $3 million,” the celebrity news and gossip site said. TMZ says West’s beef with Tidal is twofold. His “The Life of Pablo” album was said to have resulted in 1.5 million new subscribers to Tidal. He was supposed to get a bonus

My daughter is the best thing that happened to me and she will know that Chyna did this out of spite not love cuz she mad my

Atlanta” co-star Joseline Hernandez spent the holiday weekend taking jabs at her former boss, Mona Scott Young. She took to Instagram to make serious

Sources connected to Tidal tell TMZ, “Kanye has been unhappy with the company for a long time. We’re told Kanye has complained the company

THE GRILL MEAT

Rob Kardashian

Joseline Hernandez

Too black for the badge, too blue for the brothers

A black St. Louis cop asks for a little understanding – and a little help

By Cedric Hendrix Guest columnist

I have been a police officer for 22 years. It hasn’t always been easy. Nobody said it was supposed to be. I believed things would get easier as I got older and grew more experienced. Yet law enforcement life postFerguson has proven to be exactly the opposite.

From day one, all I have ever wanted to do is help. But I was unprepared for the immense complexity that came with that simple goal.

A black policeman can at times feel like a slave serving two masters, particularly when he is policing a predominantly black community. On one hand, he is sworn to uphold and enforce the law, as expected by the department that employs him and the government agencies he represents. On the other, he is asked to offer leniency to the brothers and sisters, because “the game is rigged” and we don’t want to ruin the lives of young African Americans by “putting them into the system” at an early age.

I became an “Uncle Tom” or a “sellout” in the eyes of those I sought to help.

To paraphrase what Samuel L. Jackson’s character said in the remake of the movie “Shaft,” sometimes I’m too black for the badge, and sometimes I’m too blue for the brothers. I’ve been trapped in the middle for two decades.

Now, within the pages of this newspaper, I’m being asked by activists to step up and stamp out the oppression and inherent racism that is crushing the AfricanAmerican community. To that, I can only say this: I’m doing the best I can. But I can’t do it alone. I need you, the citizens and activists, to help me.

It’s easy to point a finger at one agency or aspect of society and declare them the reason for that society’s failure. But the truth is much more complex, and everyone knows it. If we are to stamp out the wrongdoing of police officers in black communities, we must first acknowledge that the cause of these horrible incidents is part of a cycle.

represented on my police radio every day. Shootings, cuttings, assaults, robberies, burglaries far too often, the dispatcher’s description of the wanted subject starts the same way: “Black male.”

If we know the game is rigged, isn’t the first, most sensible option to not play the game in the first place? The best way to avoid being stuck in the system is to not be part of it, period. We must educate and teach our black youth – particularly young men – to do more productive, legitimate things with their lives. And they must want to hear us, which can be a Herculean task in and of itself.

A black policeman is shunned by conservative white officers for sympathizing with more liberal points of view offered by the black community. That same officer is shunned by certain members of the black community for wearing the blue uniform, as it leads to the necessity to write tickets and make arrests in said community. By wanting to do no more than serve the community,

A lack of education, resources and opportunity lead to desperation. Desperation leads to crime. Crime leads to increased police presence. And increased police presence leads to potential abuse. All of these aspects must be addressed for the cycle to be broken.

Yes, there are a disproportionate number of blacks in our prison system. But that disproportion is also

This is where the community leaders come in. They – along with law enforcement mentors – must reach out to young people before things go bad, or go from bad to worse. I’ve seen these leaders at work. They speak at cookouts, in community centers, and in churches where they are quite literally preaching to the choir. The message must go out where it is needed most: on the street corners and in the jails where there is still

hope for redemption.

The Black Lives Matter movement, while certainly well-intended, is horribly myopic. If black lives truly matter (and I believe they do), then all black lives must matter all the time, and not just when a police officer is involved! The movement should be ready to protest any and all senseless violence in the community, regardless of who is involved. Only then can we truly get to the most important roots of the issue, and work together to make things better.

When you encounter me on the job, you will be treated respectfully and fairly, regardless of what you look like or where you live. Even if you are arrested, I will do my utmost to treat you as respectfully as possible.

As a field training officer, I teach rookie officers to do the same thing. Hopefully, that will help to make a difference. I work with numerous other black officers in a racially diverse district. We each go out of our way to treat every person we encounter the same.

I’ve been told by more than one

activist that I can do my part to root out the corruption I see. There’s only one problem: It doesn’t happen around me. In two decades, I’ve earned a reputation for doing things the right way. As such, any officer looking to do something shady knows better than to do it with me around.

I’m not going to prison for anybody!

The outcry from the community would also hold more weight if the people making demands of me didn’t adhere to the “stop snitching” code, or if they offered up something more than silence during an investigation. The time for speeches is done. It is, indeed, time to act. We must emphasize healing over hyperbole. We must stress rationality over rhetoric. We must focus on solutions instead of slogans. And we must do it together.

Cedrix Hendrix is a patrol officer in District 2 in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. He has worked in all three patrol divisions within the department over two decades.

Guest Columnist Cedric Hendrix

Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers patrol a protest on South Grand Boulevard in this file photo.

Editorial /CommEntary

Political payback still holds St. Louis back

It is a shame to see a city with so many challenges and yet such great potential to transform itself stuck in the self-destructive politics that have held St. Louis back for decades. Alderman Jeffrey Boyd’s use of the political process to damage a political enemy in Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones was a sideshow to the Board of Aldermen passing and the mayor signing a $1 billion budget bill that eliminated a whopping $17 million in spending, but it’s a reminder of how our fragmented political process fosters political infighting at the expense of the public good.

Jones has defeated Boyd soundly in two citywide elections. She beat him in the August 2012 Democratic primary for the position she holds today (and which Boyd is determined to undermine) by nearly 4,000 votes, with Boyd finishing third in a four-way race. And in the March 2017 Democratic primary for mayor, she beat Boyd by nearly 15,000 votes. In that race Boyd finished fifth in a field of seven, getting only 1,439 votes – but enough to make him a spoiler for Jones, since she lost to Lyda Krewson by only 888 votes. Between his two losses to Jones, in August 2014 Boyd lost yet another citywide race – for license collector to Mavis Thompson. Since Krewson’s election, with Jones back to work as treasurer and Boyd as alderman, Boyd has used what powers he has at his disposal in an attempt to hamstring his rival. In June, as a member of the city’s Parking Commission, Boyd moved to cut Jones’ travel and professional development budget to $5,000 from $20,000 –was that $1 for every vote Jones beat him by in March? – and the commission passed the measure. This does not reflect a sincere desire to save the city money by curbing officials’ discretionary budgets, as Boyd and the Board of Aldermen did not reduce any other official’s budget in cutting $17 million in city expenses – the mayor still has an annual expense account of $30,000, the circuit attorney of $32,000, the comptroller of $15,000 and each alderman of $4,200. This was simply a petty attempt by a disgruntled loser to punish a political rival and diminish her effectiveness.

Boyd came back after Jones in the budget process, when he was ignoring these other discretionary budgets. As the Post-Dispatch reported, he chairs an alderman committee that amended the budget to give the Parking Commission (that is, in part, himself) greater oversight over the treasurer’s spending. We

Workhouse is hell for poor people not yet convicted of a crime

By Joshua Peters Guest columnist

The idea of being innocent until proven guilty leaves the apprehended person in a state of limbo until they are sentenced. Earlier this year, I was part of a delegation of Missouri Representatives and a legislative aide that entered the perceived limbo and found hell instead.

The delegation – comprised of myself, along with state Representatives Karla May, Clem Smith, Paul Curtman and Paul Fitzwater – toured the St. Louis facility commonly referred to as the Workhouse, and had our eyes opened to many of the issues that plague our corrections system.

believe, along with Jones, that this was an illegal attempt to legislate through the budget process – and may result in the city’s budget being held up in court if Jones brings suit to undo this action. That would bring yet more discord and dysfunction to a city government that needs so badly to reinvent itself and bring meaningful change to our policies and governance.

Boyd claimed he is trying to “rein in” the treasurer, an image of a human harnessing and directing the power of an unruly animal. Nothing of the sort is happening here. These are revenge tactics that a feckless loser is wreaking on a winner who is one of the few elected officials in St. Louis bringing innovation and advancing progressive policies. Thus far, this loser is getting most of his colleagues on the Parking Commission and Board of Aldermen to support him in slowing down his more successful rival, perhaps to his personal satisfaction, but to the distraction and detriment of this struggling city.

Because she nearly toppled a political establishment that has failed to compete with peer cities in the Midwest, we believe, Jones is being threatened and punished for being forward-thinking. Enabling Boyd’s attempt to harm a public official with a record of turning around a dysfunctional patronage office into a well-managed asset is an affront to the voters who reelected Jones as treasurer by an overwhelming margin.

According to staff, 99 percent of inmates are pre-trial inmates – 99 percent of people at the Workhouse had not yet received a sentence. The biggest disparity we noticed during our time in the facility was the income level of those housed there. Commissioner Dale Glass very candidly indicated that while those who can afford bond skip the deteriorating conditions, poor people end up staying.

Conditions are made worse by insufficient staffing and funding levels. Of the 500 employees that the St. Louis Corrections Division hires, only 148 are employed at the Workhouse. Even with a significantly limited number of positions at the Workhouse, not all are filled. As of 2017, the state reimburses 14 days of incarceration for those held at the Workhouse. The staff members indicated a stark difference in inmate cost

per day at the Workhouse compared to the Missouri State correctional facility. Whereas it costs, on average, $57 per inmate per day in the state facility, it costs approximately $76 per inmate per day to house an inmate in St. Louis’ Workhouse.

As of January 2017, the state only covers 14 days of an inmate’s tenure at the Workhouse. However, the average stay for inmates at this facility, as indicated by staff, amounts to 120 days.

Upon entering the dining area, we were overcome with a stench caused by mold buildup in the dishwashing area. One of my colleagues voiced their displeasure of that stench, saying they would not be able to eat there. One staff member noted that inmates are known to eat in their cells after picking up food. The institution is amid renovations and is slowly laying new floors in order to begin to fix the mold infestation. The stench, however, lingers. We also toured the male “dorms” that house 50-70 inmates. What began as a tour quickly turned into a shouting match as inmates approached the gated windows to decry their temporary homes. We listened to everything from curt comments to pleas for release. One inmate shouted his displeasure with the facility,

Letters to the editor

Getting residents’ voices heard

The signers of the Declaration of Independence were highly imperfect men. Thomas Jefferson and his fellow Southerners were rank hypocrites for declaring “all men are created equal” while owning men, women and children as their slaves. John Adams was sour and disputatious, and later as president would sign the Sedition Act outlawing criticism of the government. John Hancock was accused of amassing his fortune through smuggling. Benjamin Franklin could have been described as kind of a dirty old man. Yet they laid out a set of principles, later codified in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, that transcended their flaws. At this bizarre moment in our history, it is useful to remember that the ideas and institutions of the American experiment are much more powerful and enduring than the idiosyncrasies of our leaders. We have a president who neither understands nor respects the basic norms of American democracy. Make no mistake: Donald Trump is a true aberration.

saying, “The ceilings are falling, there’s leaking water, mold everywhere and rats. I even got bit by a rat.” The inmate raised his pant leg to reveal an open wound on his ankle. We received similar feedback from other inmates. At a briefing prior to the tour, the staff indicated strides taken to improve inmate life in the institution. Robin Edwards, Correctional Program manager, provided a particularly encouraging update on new programs that fostered a productive re-entry process. Edwards’ efforts deserve accolades, as they provide inmates, albeit a small number, with various practical skills that will help their productivity upon re-entry into society. Still, even with the progress being made at the Workhouse, it is clear our state needs to make a greater investment in this facility and others like it. If our goal is to help rehabilitate offenders and put them back on a path toward being productive citizens, then we have much work to do. Active steps should be taken to find alternate mechanisms to release non-criminal offenders on their own recognizance. I am pledging to work collectively with local elected officials and community leaders to bring resolve to this issue. Sadly, right now, the Workhouse is a place where some of our poorest citizens are doomed to a hellish existence, even before sentencing. They deserve better.

Joshua Peters (D-St. Louis) represents District 76 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Trump’s inexperience is unique; he is the only president never to have served in government or the military. This weakness is exponentially compounded by his ignorance of both policy and process, his lack of curiosity, his inability to focus and his tremendous insecurity. He desperately craves the kind of sycophantic adulation that George Washington, a genuine hero, pointedly rejected. Trump is a #FakeHero. He strings along his supporters with promises he has no idea how to keep. Like many a would-be strongman before him, he defines himself politically by the fights he picks; he erects straw men – faceless “elites,” cable television hosts, Muslims, Mexicans, nonexistent individuals or groups waging an imaginary “war on Christmas” – because authoritarians always need enemies.

The founders, mindful of their own faults, ultimately designed a system to contain a rogue president. They limited his elective term to four years, gave checking and balancing powers to the legislative and judicial branches, and designed impeachment as a last-ditch remedy. The Trump presidency compels all of us to be mindful

n Trump is a #FakeHero. He strings along his supporters with promises he has no idea how to keep.

of our constitutional duties.

The role of the citizenry – to express approval or disapproval at the ballot box – includes making sure that suffrage is not selectively and unfairly denied by restrictive voter-ID laws or partisan purges of the voter rolls. It is heartening that red states have joined blue in resisting the attempt by Trump’s trumpedup “voter fraud” commission to assemble a national list of voters. Perhaps some future administration could be trusted

to make sense of our confusing patchwork of voting systems. This one can’t.

Congress must assert its powers of oversight. The signers of the Declaration saw the mingling of royal power and British commercial interests as corrupt. We now have a president whose farflung business empire – which he has refused to divest, and which his family still operates – presents myriad potential conflicts of interest. Trump has deepened the swamp, not drained it; and Congress has a duty to sort through the muck.

Congress must also let Trump know, in no uncertain terms, that any attempt to impede or disrupt special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election meddling will have the gravest consequences. Trump should be told that firing Mueller would automatically be considered grounds for impeachment.

The justices of the Supreme Court, meanwhile, should study the court’s decisions in United States v. Nixon, which forced Richard Nixon to turn over his White House tapes; and Bush v. Gore, which halted the 2000 vote recount in Florida. Both were instances wherein the court, which rightly shies away from decisions that determine who occupies the presidency, felt it had no choice but to act. It is no stretch to imagine that Trump’s contempt for the Constitution will once again force the court’s hand.

The Fourth of July is no day for despair. It’s a day to remember that our system, though vulnerable to a charlatan like Trump, is robust and resilient. Eventually he will be tossed or voted out. And the star-spangled banner yet will wave.

Thank you so very, very much for the extraordinary article you recently published regarding University City residents vs. MSD. Your professional participation as a journalist aids residents in getting our concerns and voices heard. We will be having more meetings with residents and hope you will assist us again.

Lucille Harris, University City

Prohibitively expensive insurance

It is unclear whether, when the House and Senate develop a final version of the AHCA, individuals with preexisting conditions will be protected – or to what extent. What’s clear is that a large number of Missourians could be affected by the policy decisions in the AHCA and the imbalance in the risk pool could make insurance prohibitively expensive or unavailable.

Herb B. Kuhn president and CEO Missouri Hospital Association Jefferson City

Food tax would hurt families

Special interest tax breaks have already drained our budget and made it harder to fund priorities like education, economic development and transportation. It is astonishing to see Gov. Greitens’ think about even more reckless corporate breaks, while trying to create a new food tax that will hurt working families the most. It’s time the governor fought back against the special

interests who have bankrolled his operation and start standing up for working families, and he can start by pulling the food tax proposal from his commission’s report before it becomes final.”

State Senator Gina Walsh Bellefontaine Neighbors

MO Republicans hiding on TrumpCare

Missouri’s top statewide Republican officeholders –Governor Eric Greitens, Lt. Governor Mike Parson, and Attorney General Josh Hawley – have all refused to explain whether or not they would use their new authority under the

GOP’s healthcare overhaul to gut protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions or how they would protect Missouri’s rural hospitals and make up for deep cuts to Medicaid.

With Republican governors from around the country speaking out and standing up for their states, the pressure on Eric Greitens, Mike Parson, and Josh Hawley to stop hiding from the GOP’s disastrous healthcare overhaul continues to grow. Missourians deserve to know if their top statewide officials are going to gut their healthcare or not.

Stephen Webber,chair Missouri Democratic Party Columbia

Guest Columnist Joshua Peters

Tishaura O. Jones Alderman Jeffrey Boyd

Babies meet in City Garden

Morgan Jackson, 11 months, and Kaiden Mayes, 9 months, connected in City Garden on a recent weekend.

Hazelwood starts new student enrollment July 17

The Hazelwood School District (HSD), will begin enrollment for new students on Monday, July 17 for the 2017-2018 school year. Enrollment will continue throughout the summer. The first day of school is Tuesday, August 15. Parents/guardians can enroll Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the HSD Administration Building (The Learning Center): 15955 New Halls Ferry Rd. No appointment is needed. Parents/guardians must complete all enrollment forms prior to attending. Enrollment forms can be found by visiting hazelwoodschools.org and clicking on,

“new student enrollment.”

Families must reside in the District to enroll. Items needed for enrollment include:

• Original state-issue birth certificate for the student

• Current immunization records for the student

• Transcript for students in grades 9-12 OR

• Most recent report card for students in grades K-8

• Discipline record from previous school, grades 6-12

• Current drivers’ license or state ID for the parent/guardian

• Proof of residency For more information, call (314) 953-5141.

ArchCity Defenders gives awards for Excellence in Poverty Journalism

Rebecca Rivas of The American wins in Medium Media Market Category

American staff

On June 15, ArchCity Defenders presented its inaugural Excellence in Poverty Journalism Awards to recognize, honor and inspire in-depth stories written about race, class and poverty, as judged by John Ammann (Saint Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics), Katherine Reed (University of Missouri School of Journalism) and Fred Watson (ArchCity Defenders’ client).

The winners were Nancy Cambria of the St. Louis PostDispatch in the Large Media Market category for her article “How Toxic Stress and Trauma Endanger Our Children,” Rebecca Rivas of the St. Louis American in the Medium Media Market for her piece

“Stadium Funding Would Cut into Underfunded Affordable Housing Trust Fund,” and Shadress Burks and Ashley Winters of Delux Magazine in the Small Media Market for their story “Gentrification.”

In the Advocacy/Opinion category, Tony Messenger was awarded for his columns in the Post-Dispatch Judges also gave honorable mentions to Jeremy Kohler (Post-Dispatch), Clark Randall (St. Louis American), and Doyle Murphy (Riverfront Times). ArchCity Defenders said more than 25 journalists and columnists were nominated from these publications as well as the St. Louis Review and St.

St. Louis American reporter Rebecca Rivas won a 2017 Excellence in Poverty Journalism Award from ArchCity Defenders in the Medium Media Market category for her piece “Stadium Funding Would Cut into Underfunded Affordable Housing Trust Fund.”

Louis Public Radio. ArchCity Defenders emphasized that despite the prevalence of inequity and oppression in our region, stories about poverty are rarely written. According to the Pew Research Center, less than one percent of stories written in 52 major news outlets covered poverty.

“While disparity and injustice pervade our region, journalism has the power to expose injustice, raise awareness, and inspire action,” ArchCity Defenders stated in its report on the awards. “As a community, we need more stories to be written about poverty and the underlying systemic causes in order to impact change.”

Missouri has second most racial terror lynchings outside the Deep South

Equal Justice Initiative reports 60 in the state

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Missouri is number two – but not in a category that inspires pride in the state.

Missouri has the secondlargest number of racial terror lynchings among states outside of the South, according to new data released on Tuesday, June 27 by the Equal Justice Initiative, a private, nonprofit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama that provides legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners who have been denied fair and just treatment in the legal system.

Looking at data for white mobs who murdered black people with no risk of accountability or punishment between 1880 and 1940, Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) researchers unearthed 60 reported lynchings in Missouri. Of all states outside of the Deep South, EJI reported more lynchings only in Oklahoma (76). After Missouri in the second spot, the notorious list continues with Illinois (56 lynchings), West Virginia (35), Maryland (28), Kansas (19), Indiana (18) and Ohio (15).

Researchers noted that many more lynchings likely occurred in these states and in the Deep South that cannot be documented.

Researchers distinguished racial terror lynchings from hangings and mob violence that followed some criminal trial process or that were committed against nonminorities without the threat of terror. “Those lynchings were a crude form of punishment that did not have the features of terror lynchings directed at racial minorities who were being threatened and menaced in multiple ways,” EJI wrote in its landmark 2015 report “Lynching in America Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror,” to which the new data about states outside the Deep South was added.

The original 2015 report

documented over 4,000 racial terror lynchings in 12 Southern states between the end of Reconstruction in 1877 and 1950.

“Lynching victims were often murdered in front of crowds of hundreds of people who cheered on unmasked

national conversation about the legacy of racial terror in America.

“The legacy of lynching in America is devastating, made worse by our continued silence about this history,” said Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of

n “The legacy of lynching in America is devastating, made worse by our continued silence about this history.”

– Bryan Stevenson, Equal Justice Initiative

perpetrators of brutal, torturous violence,” EJI reported.

“Law enforcement officials and people associated with the justice system rarely intervened and often assisted in the terrorism that characterized this violence.”

EJI hopes to advance a

In 2015, the Equal Justice Initiative published “Lynching in America Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror,” to which new data about states outside the Deep South has been added. Trailing only Oklahoma (76), Missouri has the most racial terror lynchings outside the Deep South with 60.

Justice, a national monument commemorating the lives of over 4,000 African-American lynching victims, and a new museum, From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, which will explore America’s legacy of slavery, racial terror, segregation, and mass incarceration. Both sites are being developed in Montgomery, Alabama, the state capital where EJI is headquartered and where the Montgomery Bus Boycott was sparked in 1955, helping to incite the Civil Rights Movement.

EJI. “Our collective failure to acknowledge this history has created a contemporary political culture that doesn’t adequately value the victimization of people of color today.”

Next spring, EJI will open the Memorial to Peace and

In collaboration with Google EJI recently launched an interactive website for “Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror,” which features the full lynching report in both digital and downloadable formats, an interactive map of lynching locations throughout the country, audio stories and videos, and a high school lesson plan. View it at https:// lynchinginamerica.eji.org.

Racial equity and tax incentive policy in St. Louis

St. Louis is proposing a temporary reform of its tax incentive policies, until the city gets enough money to do a permanent overhaul.

While that’s how the city’s development authorities are touting it, that’s not how Aldermen Joe Roddy of the 17th Ward is explaining it at public meetings. Roddy sponsored Resolution 33, which proposes the interim guidelines, and the board has not yet taken a final vote on the resolution.

The EYE attended one of the Board of Aldermen’s public “listening” sessions on June 13. Here, Roddy, who is chair of the aldermanic Housing, Urban Planning and Zoning Committee, started off the meeting by saying that the aldermen want to have these new “interim guidelines” so developers don’t get scared away if there is an extensive debate at the Board of Aldermen. (Aldermen have the power to vote on whether or not projects receive these incentives – not that they have ever voted down a project, to the EYE’s knowledge.)

At the June 13 meeting, Roddy said that the city needed “clear guidelines so when it gets down to the Board of Aldermen, there’s a predictable outcome. That’s what we’re hoping to do.”

Nowhere in the introduction did Roddy mention that the need for incentive reform actually came from an analysis of economic incentives –which the city commissioned – that showed the city’s current system was inefficient. It wasn’t until a resident asked at the end of the city’s presentation why they hadn’t gone through a review of the city’s history of incentive use did Otis Williams, director of the St. Louis Development

Corporation (SLDC), point to the PFM study as the reason for the reform.

Throughout the rest of the meeting, it was nauseating to hear Roddy and his vice-chair Alderwoman Marlene Davis of the 19th Ward, continuously justify and defend their old ways of doing things any time a community member tried to challenge them.

Washington University professor Molly Metzger finally asked the question that most people in the audience were thinking when she said, “I thought that’s why we were here. Aren’t we here because we have a problem that needs reform?”

To say that Roddy and Davis are leading reform on tax incentives is about as depressing as saying Trump is leading health care reform. What would you expect?

Loopholes and no teeth.

In fact, that’s the first critique from Metzger, who chairs the social and economic development concentration at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work. She’s also a member of Team TIF, a group of unpaid volunteers who act as watchdogs on the city’s tax incentive use.

“It needs teeth,” Metzger said. “There are some parts of this resolution that are steps in the right direction, such as limiting the use of incentives in strong market areas. But I have no faith that SLDC and the Board of Aldermen will voluntarily heed these guidelines.”

Metzger said the current guidelines are routinely ignored, so this needs to be an “enforceable bill, not a nonbinding resolution.”

Williams said, “Once we get through the planning, we will look at something more

Alderwoman Marlene Davis (seen here at the Board of Aldermen in February 2016) is vice chair of the aldermanic Housing, Urban Planning and Zoning Committee, which is touting a temporary reform of the city’s tax incentive policies.

permanent. We are going from two years ago, not a lot of scrutiny. Now everyone is looking at what we’re doing.”

Interim guidelines

There are 11 guidelines.

First, the city said it will make developers go through more hefty application requirements and review on projects with development that costs more than $1 million. Developers like to wait until the last minute to apply for the incentives and then say it’s urgent. The new guidelines give developers deadlines on when they can submit applications.

The city said it will no longer contractually agree to contribute sales tax from hotel room sales to a TIF project. It won’t capture the new sales tax generated by the recently passed Proposition 1 for TIF projects.

The new guidelines will also consider impact on other businesses. For example, if a project is proposing to put a hotel or restaurant, the city will weigh the impact on other surrounding businesses.

“We know that restaurant A will lose to B, so we will capture that into our analysis and pass some of that back to

the city,” Williams said.

The “controversial” guideline, Williams said, is where the city will encourage Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) and Transportation Development Districts (TDDs) – for public improvements only – in order to reduce TIF and tax abatement requests.

The city’s measuring stick on market value received criticism from the audience.

The city uses data from the Market Value Analysis (MVA) to determine the health of the market throughout the city. And based on this data, the city will limit the amount of TIF assistance and tax abatements in some parts of the city –but not completely curb tax incentives in healthy markets. Metzger strongly opposes using the MVA as a benchmark because it’s not the best data and it costs the city money. Williams stands by it. And finally, the city will also “encourage” Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) on all projects with development costs more than $50 million.

Weak reform

Metzger said that the suggested limits on incentive

use, especially tax abatement, don’t go far enough.

“I live on the border of the Tower Grove East and Fox Park neighborhoods on the near South Side,” Metzger said. “I see rehab going on all around me. Some of it is abated, some of it is not. I do not believe that neighborhoods like mine will lose investment if we take abatement away.”

Many of the abated homes are used to convert two-family flats into single-family homes, adding to the gentrification of neighborhoods.

“This practice reflects the opposite of a racial equity lens, and it has to stop,” she said.

“In short, in strong market areas like Tower Grove East, Shaw, Lafayette Square, etc. we should be extending zero abatement. The one exception in these types of neighborhoods should be for affordable housing.”

Metzger and several other residents in the audience spoke about the need for inclusionary zoning – or development policies that require a given share of new construction to be affordable by people with low to moderate incomes, if the city is subsidizing these projects. It was a call to action in the Ferguson Commission report, and Mayor Lyda Krewson also said that she would

“absolutely” move to make inclusionary zoning a policy in St. Louis during her mayoral campaign.

In an interview after the meeting, Williams said that he hasn’t looked at inclusionary zoning, and that he’s never spoken with the mayor about it. The American asked to speak with Krewson about the pending tax incentive reform. A spokesman said he would get back to us, but we had received no response a week after making the request.

In the city, the wealthiest neighborhoods are about 8 percent black, Metzger said. And the poorest neighborhoods are, on average, 80 percent black.

“The current system is clearly benefiting the Central Corridor and near South Side: disproportionately white areas of our city,” Metzger said. “As such, not just limiting, but ending the use of abatement in these areas would be one good step toward racial equity.” Williams said that they will not do that because there are still projects within these boundaries that need incentives.

Police chief search forum

On May 25, Krewson formed a 13-member Citizen Advisory Committee to help find a replacement for Police Chief Sam Dotson, who was retired on April 19 after leading the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department since 2012. The committee will hold a forum to gather the community’s input on the search from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, July 8 at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave. Visit http://www. bit.ly/stlcitycachome for more information on the Citizen Advisory Committee.

28th Ward election

Voters in the city’s 28th Ward who want to vote an absentee ballot for the July 11 special election may do so at the Board of Election Commissioners, 300 N. Tucker Blvd., during regular office hours of 8 a.m.to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or on Saturday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The last day to send an absentee ballot application by mail is Wednesday, July 5. The last day to vote an absentee ballot in person is Monday, July 10, at 5 p.m.

Photo by Wiley price

St. Louis American holds two-week STEM camp for 5th and 6th graders

The St. Louis American Foundation recently held its second annual STEM Academy for high-achieving 5th and 6th grade students. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Camp was held at the Little Creek Nature Area in the Ferguson Florissant School District. Participating students were a part of The St. Louis American’s nationally-acclaimed Newspaper In Education program, and were nominated by their teachers as a “Science Star,” with a demonstrated interest in and excitement for science. The two-week, intensive summer science program, was free to the participating students, through a partnership with Boeing, and featured guest speakers from organizations including Boeing, St. Louis Community College’s College Education Outreach, the Magic House, the Challenger Learning Center, and the National Wildlife Refuge. Participating students experienced two weeks of self-directed research, hands-on lessons, individual and group experiments/engineering activities, indoor and outdoor challenges and environmental education.

Students learn about animals by studying their pelts.

All photos by Wiley Price and Cathy Sewell

Teacher Paris Bouchard helps students examine fibers under a microscope.

Simple machines project using a winch

Designing an amusement park using simple machines

Teacher Georgene Collier helps students use forensic science to solve a mystery.

Participants study their fingerprints on Forensics Day.

Using a microscope to study forensics

Teacher Paris Bouchard helps students with their project.

Students work as a team to build a rocket.

Teachers Carmen Little and Lisa Meeks help students with forensics activities.

Outside the classroom

Guest Speakers

Students enjoyed fishing at Little Creek

Teacher Paris Bouchard canoes with students.

Park Ranger Katie Dreas helps students identify life found in the creek.

Learning to use binoculars

Students testlaunch their rockets

KSDK meteorologist Chester Lampkin teaches students about weather

St. Louis Community College Education Outreach Specialist Angi Taylor had students use forensics to solve a mystery

Mitch Barrett from Magic House provided interactive lessons about simple machines.

Business

JULY 6 – 12, 2017

On the road to entrepreneurship

local investors and approximately 350 entrepreneurs attended the second annual Roadmap to Entrepreneurship conference, organized Monday, June 12 at the

and

Conference connected people hoping to start businesses with mentors and investors

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

The second annual Roadmap to Entrepreneurship conference, held Monday, June 12 at the Danforth Plant Science Center, was a “boot camp” for local entrepreneurs, to help them find the skills, connections, and – critically – investors they need to succeed. Thirty-six local investors and approximately 350 entrepreneurs joined the conference.

Sorin Vaduva, a fellow with the St. Louis Mosaic project and of Missouri Venture Forum, founded the conference. Vaduva has been mentoring start-up companies since 2006. He sees hundreds of them each year, so he channeled those mentorship skills into the

n “You had men and women there but from a cultural background standpoint, it was not as diverse as it could be.”

– Cheryl Watkins-Moore

conference. He believes that a conference such as this is necessary because many people want to be entrepreneurs, and the need for entrepreneurs is great in the St. Louis community, but those who

might wish to start a small business often have no idea where to start.

“What happens is, people come in with their own expectations, their own expertise in one aspect of business or another, and they don’t realize there’s so much else that needs to be done,” said Vaduva. “So out of that frustration I lifted my list of ‘to-dos’ of things that people need to know.”

He found that he had enough “to-dos” to make into a full conference. The schedule was packed with six panels that “cover all the issues that someone needs to be aware of and know how to juggle,” he said, and then a town hall meeting with the investors.

See CONFERENCE, B2

Pruitt vows the NAACP will monitor privatization process at airport

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The St. Louis City NAACP will be watching city officials and their consultants as they explore the possibility of selling St. Louis Lambert International Airport, chapter president Adolphus M. Pruitt stated in a news release on Thursday, June 29.

“Lambert Airport is a valuable community resource and provides a needed public service. Thus, privatization, especially via a sale or longterm lease, raises concerns about potential loss of public control,” Pruitt stated.

“There is a need to identify the mechanisms that will protect the public interest (including discriminatory practices by airport vendors and tenants) and retain the benefits of any potential private-sector operation. Another key question is whether or not a privatized Lambert will possess monopoly power. If yes, to what extent will the monopoly power exist, and for what set of

customers?”

Then-Mayor Francis G. Slay signed a memorandum of representation in March with Travis Brown and two other consultants, giving them control over the initial stages of airport privatization through the nonprofit Grow Missouri, which is connected to Pelopidas, which is the lobbying and political arm of Rex Sinquefield. Mary Ellen Ponder, who worked for Slay as chief of staff when the city signed this agreement with Brown, now works for Brown. Moreover, Slay’s previous chief of staff, Jeff Rainford, has registered as a lobbyist for STL Aviation Group LLC, which is owned by OakTree Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based investment firm looking into the privatization of Lambert. Tony Messenger

n “Privatization, especially via a sale or long-term lease, raises concerns about potential loss of public control.”

– Adolphus M. Pruitt

first made these connections in a Post-Dispatch column.

“Greater transparency with respect to process will ensure that the benefits from privatization won’t be misunderstood by the general public, elected officials, and business leaders,” Pruitt of the NAACP stated. “The lack of such will contributed to a growing disconnect between

See PRUITT, B2

Halbert Sullivan received the National Partnership For Community Leadership’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the founder and CEO of Fathers’ Support Center, which has more than 60 employees and recently graduated its 104th class of fathers. The center promotes fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives through intensive job training, group therapy, community service, and parenting workshops.

LaShanda R. Boone was hired as head of school at La Salle Middle School, a public charter school in North City that provides educational opportunities and comprehensive support services for students in grades five through eight. Most recently she was field representative for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Brian A. Murphy was elected chair of the Zoo Museum District’s Botanical Garden Subdistrict on May 17. He has served as a member of the Subdistrict since 2012. He is president/owner of BAM Contracting LLC, a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise in the city of St. Louis, and serves as deacon at West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

Misty C. Farr is a finalist for the 2017 Next-Generation Pharmacist Patient Care Provider Award. She is the Pharmacy manager at the Florissant Walmart. The award is given to a pharmacist whose focus on patient care and customer service, through a specific occasion, personal action or activity, has established himself or herself as an exemplary patient advocate.

Jonathan H. N. Long was recognized with the Illinois Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for the tremendous impact he has made on the local community through volunteerism and service. He was nominated for his tremendous impact on the Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and SIUE community with the support of the Edwardsville Chapter of the NAACP.

Destiny Davis was named a 2017 Citi Foundation Entrepreneurship Fellow, a summer leadership development and internship program for Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) alumni. NFTE is an international nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and builds their knowledge about business startup. This summer, Davis is a mentor at the NFTE St. Louis Metro BizCamp.

On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

Halbert Sullivan

LaShanda R. Boone

Brian A. Murphy

Misty C. Farr

Thirty-six

Danforth Plant Science Center by Sorin Vaduva, a fellow with the St. Louis Mosaic project

of Missouri Venture Forum.

Adolphus M. Pruitt

Destiny Davis

Jonathan H. N. Long

How to purposefully and successfully transition to a single income

By Nathaniel Sillin

Many parents face the same difficult question when raising a child. Should one of you stay at home while the other works? It’s not a question to take lightly. The decision can have emotional and financial consequences and may have a long-term impact on the stay-at-home parent’s career opportunities. It’s also a question that doesn’t have a single correct answer.

Your upbringing, personality, career and the family’s financial situation can all play into your decision. Your opinion could also differ from your partner’s and may change over time. Perhaps you both worked after having your first child and now that there will be two or more children it makes more sense for one of you to stay at home.

Whatever your impetus, if you decide to switch from two incomes to one it will undoubtedly be challenging. Purposefully approaching and planning for the change could help you succeed.

Get a general sense of the numbers. Understandably, you’re likely juggling a lot of priorities at the moment. However, now more than ever, having a clear picture of your family’s finances can be important. Thinking about both short-term and long-term scenarios will help you understand the effect of moving to one income and give you numbers to back up your assumptions.

For this task, you don’t need to track every single penny or dollar you make and spend (although detailed tracking helps manage your finances and budgeting software and apps can make it relatively easy to do so if you want). Try to get an approximate sense of your household’s cash flow and the non-essential expenses you could cut if need be. The good news is that

saving on daycare (over $25,000 annually in some states according to Childcare Aware of America) and workrelated expenses, such as transportation and meals, can help offset the lost income. However, you’ll also need to budget for new child-related expenses. Some families downsize their home, sell a

vehicle or eat out less often to make their one-income vision a reality.

Take baby steps before the baby arrives. For those who are just thinking about starting a family or are currently pregnant, acting as if you only have one income while both of you continue to work can help give you a leg up.

For example, the second income could go towards an emergency fund that can help you weather a setback after making the transition. You can also use the money to pay down high-interest debt,

PRUITT

continued from page B1

the realities, community expectations and expected economic benefits.”

Pruitt listed “other significant public-interest issues that need addressing” as the city and its consultants consider privatizing the effort:

• inclusion & Equity for Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/ WBEs) in all aspects of the process

• M/WBE participation in any ownership group

CONFERENCE

continued from page B1

This last point was of particular interest because it allowed the entrepreneurs time to ask questions of investors, and even make connections with people who might provide funding for their own business.

Vaduva hoped businesspeople would have some specific takeaways from the conference.

“I want them to leave from each of the panels with four things: what it is they need to know from that specific panel, whom do they need to know so they can actually go and ask for support, what kind of resources they need to invest in, and what kind of expertise they need,” he said.

“If they have the answers to those four questions, they know what their limits are, and whom do they need to talk with, and what kind of questions they should ask.”

Michael Holmes, executive director of the St. Louis Agency on Training and

mutual decision? Or, perhaps you’ll both have a personal allowance that you can spend how you please and there’ll be a household account for shared expenses.

Plan for the future. Now may also be a good time to discuss your expectations for the future. When and if a stayat-home parent plans to return to the workplace for example. And if it makes sense for them to work or go back to school part-time while also taking care of the home.

Much like the big decision, there isn’t a single correct answer to questions about family roles or the future and no one can answer these questions for you. Talk over the options together and realize that you need to try out several ideas before you find the arrangement that works best for your relationship and growing family.

Bottom line: Take a deep breath and embrace the upcoming changes. Switching to a single income can be challenging, but so is having two incomes and a newborn. Planning ahead and working together towards a common goal and vision for your family can help ensure a successful transition.

which can free up some cash flow by lowering your interest payments.

Discuss your new family roles. Having a stay-at-home parent can be as much of an emotional decision as it is a financial one. If you haven’t already, set aside time to discuss how you view each other’s roles in the family. There may be new expectations for responsibilities inside and outside the home. Bringing finances back into the picture, discuss how you’ll divide the family budget. Will every purchase be a

• ensuring that the proceeds from converting the airport into financial assets (lease payments) are impactful for all of St. Louis

• enacting a charter amendment specifying the use of the proceeds

• greater protections for employees of both the ownership entity, and/or tenants & vendors

• establishment of a First Source hiring policy for tenants and vendors

• renegotiation of airline use and lease agreements

Employment (SLATE), was one of the panelists on the Assets Protection, Taxes, and Credits panel.

The panel was “really interactive with the crowd,” Holmes said. It was also well-balanced: “I was from government, someone else was from private business, someone was from a law firm, all talking about what we can do to help small business.”

“There’s a lot of resources out there,” he said. “You just have to reach for them.” Those resources, such as the employment talent pool provided by SLATE, were shared with the entrepreneurs at the panel.

Cheryl Watkins-Moore was one of the entrepreneurs who attended the conference.

As director of the Bioscience and Entrepreneurial Inclusion Initiative at the bioscience group BioSTL, she attended one panel hoping to gain insight on available resources in the St. Louis area for entrepreneurs.

“It was very good,” Watkins-Moore said. “This [panel] was on the resources that were available. The panel

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney. This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered health, legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.

• modification of Airport Competition Plan

• placement of the Airline Revenue Fund with financial institution(s) with Community Reinvestment Act compliance as determining factor.

“Recognizing there is a growing need to provide guidance on how Lambert will be privatized and how its economic benefits will be utilized, requires communication with the community and its leaders to ‘right-size’ the expectations,” Pruitt said. “And this is a role that the St. Louis City NAACP is obligated to play.”

discussion was healthy, and some good insights were shared.”

However, as leader of an initiative for diversity and inclusion, Watkins-Moore said the conference left something to be desired. “You had men and women there,” she said, “but from a cultural background standpoint, it was not as diverse as it could be.” Vaduva said he hopes to help all kinds of entrepreneurs move their businesses forward, and continue to diversify conference attendees in the future.

“Be that a large company, or something that will become a family business that’s going to be passed along from generation to generation, I could care less,” he said.

“And I know by having more businesses be successful, we can actually employ more people in the region, and I can pass on the spirit of entrepreneurship to other people much faster.”

For more information on the Missouri Venture Forum, visit http://www.mvfstl.org.

Having a stay-at-home parent can be as much of an emotional decision as it is a financial one.

“I’m just happy for the opportunity. I’m ready to give it my all.”

– Markelle Fultz, the NBA’s No. 1 Draft pick of the Philadelphia 76ers

McLemore signs with Memphis

Former Wellston High basketball standout leaving Sacramento

Earl Austin Jr.

Former Wellston High basketball standout Ben McLemore signed with the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend. The 6’6” McLemore inked a two-year deal with the Grizz for $10.7 million. After playing collegiate ball for one season at Kansas, McLemore spent the first four years of his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings. At the time, there wasn’t a worse place for a young player to go to than Sacramento, which was about as dysfunctional a franchise as there was in the NBA. As happy as I was to see a young player from St. Louis realize his dream to be drafted in the NBA lottery, I literally cringed when then-commish David Stern called Ben’s name as the No. 8 pick by the Sacramento Kings.

The move to Memphis could be a beneficial one for McLemore as the Grizzlies are looking for a little more youth and outside shooter to compliment its trio of Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph. McLemore is capable is providing both as he is only 24 years old and he shot 38 percent from 3-point range in his last NBA season for the Kings. After four up and down seasons with the Kings, hopefully the change of scenery will be good for Ben, especially if he can make jumpers.

2017 Boxing Hall of Fame Class

The St. Louis Gateway Classic is set to induct its 2017 Class for its Boxing Hall of Fame later this month. The new Hall of Fame members are Richard Freeman, Melvin Stewart, Michael McLaurin, Karoz Norman, Cornell Price-EL, Anthony Martin, Cortez Dean, Michael Lewis, Paul James, Sharron Washington and Roderick William. Also, trainers Ben Stewart and Buddy Shaw will receive the Earl Wilson, Jr. and Myrl Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award. Lt. Colonel Lawrence O’Toole will receive the Gary Bess Award. The awards luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 29 at the Hopewell Health Center (2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive).

Sonya Morris headed to DePaul Incarnate Word Academy girls’ basketball standout Sonya Morris has given a verbal commitment to DePaul University. The 5’9” Morris will return for her senior season after

Another day, another robbery in the sport of boxing. Eleven-time world champion Manny Pacquiao was taken to the cleaners Saturday night after losing a unanimous, but highly controversial decision to unknown and unheralded Australian Jeff Horn. Please pardon me as I save my crocodile tears and outrage for a more worthwhile occasion. Yes, the scorecards (117-111, 115-113, 115-113) were utterly ridiculous. According to CompuBox, Horn (17-0-1, 11 KO) somehow managed to win a fight in which he landed just 92 punches. Meanwhile, Pacquiao (597-2, 38 KO) nearly doubled his opponents landed punches by connecting on 182 blows. Horn was the more active and aggressive fighter, and he should get praise for bringing the fight to his opponent. However, judges are supposed to grade on effective aggression. How effective could Horn’s aggression have been

if he only was able to land 15 percent of his punches? At a fight where he certainly was not at his best, Pacquiao still landed 32 percent of his punches. If headlocks and head butts are counted as scoring blows Down Under, then Horn most certainly deserved the victory. There’s really no feasible way that Horn should have been declared as the winner. The reason I’m not up in arms about the robbery is because Pacquiao never should have been fighting Horn in the first place. Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters of his generation, traveled to Brisbane for what was supposed to be a quick cash grab against an unknown fighter. At 38-years-old, Pacquiao doesn’t likely have too many fights remaining in his career. Excellent potential matchups exist with young stars such as WBC and WBO super

weight champion Terence

, WBC and WBA

Pacquiao been composed enough to finish Horn during the ninth round, when

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Unknown and unheralded fighter Jeff Horn was awarded a highly-disputed victory over Manny Pacquiao Saturday night. Most fight commentators and sports fans called the unanimous decision

Former Wellston High basketball standout Ben McLemore signed a two-year deal for $10.7 million with the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Plenty Latinos, few African-American players part of MLB All-Star rosters

It’s not a surprise, yet still disappointing, to see so few black players on the respective National and American League All-Star Game rosters.

The National League had no African American players voted in as starters by fans. Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison is the lone black player selected as a reserve by Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.

Harrison, who was also named to the 2014 NL All-Star squad, said his selection “is not surprising to me.”

“(I’m) just staying the course and knowing it’s a tough game but you have to enjoy it. I play with a lot of passion and have fun.” He also has been hit by 18 pitches this year, the most in the Majors. Eric Thames Milwaukee Brewers outfielder, has 20 home runs but went into a lengthy slump in June. Reliever Corey Knebel is the Brewers’ representative on the team. Should any outfielder opt out of the game because of a nagging injury, Thames could be named as the replacement.

St. Louis Cardinal fans can cheer for pitcher Carlos Martinez and veteran catcher Yadier Molina, who were named to the NL roster on Sunday. Two Hispanic players, Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and Miami Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna, are NL starters. In all, eight of the NL’s 31 players have a Latino heritage.

The NL starters are C: Buster Posey, Giants; 1B: Ryan Zimmerman Nationals; 2B: Daniel Murphy, Nationals; SS: Zack Cozart, Reds; 3B: Arenado, Rockies; OF: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies; OF: Bryce Harper, Nationals; OF: Ozuna, Marlins.

The NL reserves C: Yadier Molina, Cardinals; 1B: Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks; 1B: Joey Votto, Reds; 2B: Josh Harrison, Pirates; 2B: DJ LeMahieu, Rockies; SS: Corey Seager, Dodgers; 3B: Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks; OF: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers; OF: Michael Conforto, Mets; OF: Ender Inciarte, Braves; OF: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins; RHP: Wade Davis, Cubs; RHP: Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks; LHP: Brad Hand, Padres; RHP: Greg Holland, Rockies; RHP: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers; LHP: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers; RHP:

Corey Knebel, Brewers; RHP: Carlos Martinez, Cardinals; RHP: Pat Neshek, Phillies; LHP: Robbie Ray Diamondbacks; RHP: Max Scherzer, Nationals; RHP: Stephen Strasburg Nationals.

Aaron Judge prevailed as the leading vote-getter among all players and will start in the AL outfield along with the Houston Astros George Springer, both are black. Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels was voted in as a starter, but could miss the game as he recovers from a torn ligament in this thumb. While he and the Angels say he is not rushing back to action for the All-Star Game, he will begin a rehabilitation assignment this week in the minors. Either reserve Michael Brantley

of the Cleveland Indians or Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox, both black players, will most likely start in Trout’s place if he is unable to play.

Four AL starters are Hispanic, as are 15 of its 31 players. There are four black players on the AL roster.

The AL starters are C: Salvador Perez, Royals; 1B: Justin Smoak Blue Jays; 2B: Jose Altuve, Astros; SS: Carlos Correa, Astros; 3B: Jose Ramirez, Indians; Judge, Yankees; Springer, Astros; Trout, Angels and DH: Corey Dickerson, Rays.

The AL reserves are C: Gary Sanchez, Yankees; 1B: Yonder Alonso, Athletics; 2B: Starlin Castro, Yankees; 2B: Jonathan Schoop Orioles; SS: Francisco Lindor, Indians; 3B: Miguel

Sano, Twins; OF: Mookie

Betts, Red Sox; OF: Michael Brantley, Indians; OF: Avisail Garcia, White Sox; DH: Nelson Cruz, Mariners; RHP: Dellin Betances, Yankees; RHP: Yu Darvish, Rangers; RHP: Michael Fulmer, Tigers; LHP: Dallas Keuchel, Astros; LHP: Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox; RHP: Corey Kluber Indians; RHP: Lance McCullers Jr., Astros; LHP: Andrew Miller, Indians; LHP: Chris Sale, Red Sox; RHP: Ervin Santana, Twins; RHP: Luis Severino, Yankees; and LHP: Jason Vargas, Royals.

Big gift of Negro League Museum

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are donating $1 million to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, thanks to an idea by Tony Clark, the Players Association’s first

black executive director.

Last year, Clark proposed the idea to Commissioner Rob Manfred that MLB and its players should create some type of partnership with the NLBM.

Last Wednesday, both men were in Kansas City to announce the grant to the museum.

“Anytime we have a conversation about growing and advancing the game, finding similar ground is relatively easier to do and this was indeed one of those,” Clark said.

“Once I had the opportunity to tour the halls here, I realized that the Negro Leagues’ history is indeed our game’s history.”

As proven by the lack of participation by black players in the 2017 All-Star Game, MLB has a chore in getting more African Americans involved in the game. Manfred said the partnership with the NLBM is part of that effort.

“Whenever you try to rebuild something like rebuild African-American participation in our game, you need a great foundation,” Manfred said.

“The foundation of our effort with respect to AfricanAmerican players had to be an effort to make young players understand the Negro Leagues, understand the significance of the Negro Leagues to AfricanAmerican history and more broadly, to American history.” Kansas City Star columnist Sam Mellinger rightly called out MLB for its lack of interest in the museum.

“For far too long, the museum has done its vital work in the dark, and alone. Baseball revenues have skyrocketed toward $10 billion, and the museum has been at best an afterthought,” Mellinger wrote.

“There have been smaller donations from time to time –$25,000 here, or $10,000 there – but the treatment has bordered on condescension.

“Baseball has generally viewed the museum too much like a charity asking for a handout, and not what it is –an inspiring place keeping alive a critical part of baseball and American history.”

Clark said a major gift from MLB and its players should have come long ago.

“I’ll throw myself under the bus here. I know as a player I didn’t do enough in terms of providing support to the museum and its history. But I think more should’ve been along the way,” he said. In addition to the museum, Kansas City will also be home to the Urban Youth Academy a $19 million state-of-the-art baseball training facility that will hopefully attract more black youths to the game.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

The 2017 MLB All-Star Game will present an abundance of Latino stars such as the Houston Astros double-play combination of Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve.

Surging ahead

Talent, teamwork and coaching make the win for St. Louis Surge

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of the St. Louis American

The St. Louis Surge has emerged as one of the signature franchises of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League. In the past three seasons, the Surge has dominated the WBCBL landscape with national championships in 2014 and 2016, three consecutive Midwest regional championships and a national runner-up finish in 2015.

With a dedicated owner in Khalia Collier, a top-flight head coach in Tony Condra and another talented cast of players in the fold, the Surge are in the hunt for another championship this summer. They have developed a culture of winning and teamwork that has made them a dominant team year-in and year-out.

“The culture of the Surge winning is based off of player personality and the environment,” Condra said. “All players get along and the environment is not stressful, which allows players to win on and off the floor.”

Said Collier, “I am incredibly proud of the growth of the Surge franchise over the past six years in terms of the caliber of players, fans and sponsors. Every year, we get better, on and off the court, and this year

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

he was nearly knocked out on his feet, none of this would matter. “Pac Man” would’ve cashed his $10 million check and probably went on to fight another underwhelming opponent. However, perhaps sensing that his performance was subpar, compared to his usual standards, Pacquiao got sloppy and whiffed over and over again. The veteran allowed his unproven opponent to survive the round. Now, his next underwhelming opponent will once again be Horn, courtesy of the rematch clause. Hopefully, Pacquiao has learned his lesson, but probably not. As amazing as Pacquiao has been inside the ring, when it comes to selecting opponents, he has generally deferred to his promoter Bob Arum

This is the same Arum who once said, “Yesterday, I was lying. Today, I’m telling the truth.” It’s also the same Arum who defended the judges’ scorecards and even brought up the revered names of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier

“I thought that Jeff [Horn], watching it, had gotten off to a big lead,” Arum said. “And then Manny came back, and then Jeff did well at the end. That’s how it was. That’s like an Ali-Fraizer fight.”

INSIDE

Continued from B3 leading the Red Knights to a 28-4 record and the Class 4 state championship. As a junior, Morris averaged 15 points, three rebounds and two steals a game while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line. She was a member of the 2017 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Team.

RIP Charlie Floyd

Our sympathies and prayers go out to the family and friends of former Sumner High basketball standout Charlie Floyd, who passed away last week. Floyd was a tremendous shooting guard for Sumner High in the mid-1960s, when he formed a great starting backcourt with point guard Bennie Moore for the 1966 Bulldogs. I have a little feature about Charlie in my book “The PHL in the STL” on the history of the Public High

has been no exception. Tony has continued to grow and evolve over the past five years with this being his fourth year as head coach. He understands the vision for the program and has worked extremely hard.”

The defending champions are off to another great season with an 8-0 record heading into Saturday night’s contest against

the Midwest Flyers Elite at Washington University in a 7:05 p.m. tip-off. Not only are the Surge a winning outfit, they are very entertaining to watch while winning basketball games. They are the top offensive team in the WBCBL, averaging more than 106 points a game. The Surge have five players

who average in double figures scoring with two more averaging just over eight points a game. In their last game, the Surge scored a season-high 121 points in a 41-point victory over the Garland Hoyas on June 26. They have also scored 113 points twice and 109 points on another occasion.

“The key to our offensive excellence is that all the players believe and trust each other, which allows them to share the ball,” Condra said. “Along with committing to defense, it allows us to force turnovers into points.” Veteran guard Rebecca Harris has been the Surge’s leader once again this season.

Green with envy

“I love it when a plan comes together.” – John “Hannibal” Smith, The A-Team Fans in Boston have two new reasons to be excited. First, St. Louis native Jayson Tatum showed up and showed out in his first summer league

League about his last-second shot that beat O’Fallon Tech during the ’66 season. Charlie’s son, Terrance Floyd, was a starting guard on the Parkway West team that won the Class 4 state

game for the Celtics. Tatum dropped 21 points, seven rebounds and five steals in his NBA debut. He also drained the game-winning shot. The cherry on top of his impressive showing is that the performance and the victory came against Markelle Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers.

championship in 1991. Charlie still got out to watch high school basketball games and I always enjoyed talking ball with him at the games. We will miss you, Charlie.

The former Mascoutah High standout is averaging a teamhigh 17 points a game while also getting 6.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and three steals a game. She has been a stalwart in the team’s recent run of championship success.

Guard Leah Cotton is second in scoring at 15 points a game while 6’1” forward Kristi Bellock is averaging 14 points while leading the team in rebounding at nearly nine a game. Forward Patrice Butler is averaging 12 points and six rebounds while shooting an impressive 46 percent from 3-point range. Center Michala Johnson is the fifth player in double figures at 11 points a game. Wing players Krysten Crawford and Jaleesa Butler (Vashon/Alton) are both averaging eight points a game to provide even more offensive firepower.

Saturday night’s game against the Midwest Flyers will be a battle between the top two teams in the Midwest Region. The Flyers only loss came to the Surge 90-69 on June 4. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students with a valid middle school, high school or college ID. Children under 5 years of age get in free.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum out-dueled No. 1 overall draft pick Markelle Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers in his NBA Summer League debut.

Tatum and Fultz will forever be linked together after the Celtics dealt the number one overall pick to the 76ers in this year’s draft. For the record, Fultz also played well, scoring 17 points in his first Summer League game. However, he missed a tough layup during the final seconds that would’ve won the game.

River City Pro-Am is Back

The River City Pro-Am Basketball League is back for another summer. The games will be held on Saturdays and

The other big news out of Boston happened on the 4th of July when Gordon Hayward decided to leave the Utah Jazz to join the Celtics in free agency. Hayward is expected to sign a four year, $128 million max contract with the Celtics.

Sundays at Cardinal Ritter College Prep. It is a good opportunity to catch many of the area’s top college players at every level, plus several former area standouts who are playing professional basketball

In Hayward, the Celtics are getting an All-Star who averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He will give the Celtics another top flight scorer to pair alongside Isaiah Thomas, who averaged 28.9 points this past season. Hayward has also developed into a very good defender over the past few seasons. With the additions of Hayward and Tatum, the Boston Celtics are now a legitimate threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Remember, it was the Celtics, not the Cavs, that finished first in the Eastern Conference standings. Even though the Celtics whiffed on trying to acquire Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, they still have a gazillion first-round draft picks over the next few years. Expect them to take another shot at landing another big-time player near the trade deadline. My guess is they’ll either try to land a pass-first point guard to facilitate the offense or another big man since the team will have to renounce to rights to Kelly Olynyk in order to sign Hayward. With coaching savant Brad Stevens at the helm, there’s no doubt that the Celtics are the future of the Eastern Conference. With Gordon and Tatum on board, the future could be now.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

overseas or are still active in the game. The league will run until late July with the playoffs, which are always exciting to watch.

Neidorff, Burkhart to co-chair United Way campaign

American staff

Michael Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO of Centene Corporation, and Mark Burkhart, managing principal of Burkhill Real Estate, LLC, will serve as co-chairs of the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ 2017 community campaign.

“The pulse of a thriving community is in the education, health and stability of its people. Many small agencies that do important and impactful work don’t have development departments and depend on United Way for support.,” said Neidorff. “For nearly a century, the St. Louis region has come

together and generously supported health and human services through United Way.”

“As a long-time supporter of United Way, I believe its work and impact on the lives of more than one million people in the St. Louis region is critical in keeping us a competitive and thriving metropolitan area,” said Burkhart. “I look forward to working with our generous community on this effort.”

United Way of Greater St. Louis invests more than $1 million each week into a 16-county region to help people and create strong communities. The annual fall fundraising campaign officially begins in September.

“We are thrilled to have Michael and Mark serve as our campaign chairs this year as they both exemplify leadership, generosity and community in every way possible,” said Orvin

Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “In addition, their knowledge and business experience will provide helpful insight on new ways we can engage our corporate and individual donors in order to expand our impact as we continue to help people live their best possible lives.”

Last year, United Way’s campaign was co-chaired by Steve Lipstein, president and CEO of BJC HealthCare, and Gene Diederich, partner of Moneta Group. United Way raised a record $75 million in 2016 to help people in the region.

St. Louis reaches land transfer agreement for new NGA site

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The City of St. Louis has reached a Land Development, Remediation, and Transfer Agreement with the U.S. Air Force and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), paving the way for construction of the new NGA West facility on the city’s near North Side.

The agreement establishes the legal framework for the U.S. Air Force to acquire approximately 97 acres of brownfield redevelopment land in the City of St. Louis, which will be the site for the new NGA West facility.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt

announced the agreement on Thursday, June 29.

“With today’s agreement, we are one step closer to breaking ground on the new NGA West facility,” Blunt said in statement.

“This agreement has been months in the making, and I appreciate all of the hard work the Air Force, Corps of Engineers, NGA, Environmental Protection Agency, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and St. Louis city officials have put in to get this done.”

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill quickly followed with a statement.

“This is a big step towards making the new NGA

headquarters a reality, which will be an economic boon to a community that’s already making great economic strides,” McCaskill stated.

“Keeping the NGA in Missouri is good for the more than 3,000 employees and their proud legacy on the front lines of American intelligence.”

In June 2016, the NGA finalized its selection of North St. Louis as the site for the new NGA West headquarters. Blunt, McCaskill and U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay all pushed hard to keep the NGA West facility, currently located on the city’s near South Side, in the city of St. Louis.

Financial Focus

By Roger Macon, AAMS

What can investors learn from the All Stars? Next week, the 2017 Major League Baseball AllStar Game will be held in Marlins Park in Miami. If you’re a baseball fan, you may tune in to admire the skills and grace of the players. And if you’re an investor, you can learn some valuable lessons from the All Stars, including these:

• Alertness – Most of us can only dream of having the outstanding reflexes of major league ballplayers. But we can develop a similar trait: alertness. Just as a ballplayer who wants to steal a base needs to be alert to the pitcher’s delivery and the strength of the catcher’s throwing arm, you should be vigilant about investment opportunities and the potential need to make changes to your portfolio. For instance, you might realize that, over time, your portfolio has become too topheavy with the same types of investments. Since these investments are likely to move in the same direction at the same time, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. Consequently, you may want to diversify among a wider range of vehicles, including stocks, bonds, government securities and others. While this type of diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee

a profit or protect against all losses,

it can help you reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio.

• Patience – When you watch the best hitters – such as those appearing in the All-Star Game –you will notice that most of them are very patient, willing to wait for several pitches until they get the one they feel they can hit. As an investor, you, too, need patience. The investment world contains many myths, one of which is that it’s possible to get rich quick by finding “hot” stocks when they’re

Mark Burkhart

Michael Neidorff

Living It

Grown man hip-hop 101

JAY-Z’s ‘4:44’

a blueprint for aging gracefully in the genre

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

He is married to the undisputed queen of the secret album. And last week, JAY-Z followed her formula – and the entertainment industry lost its mind – with the surprise release of his 13th solo studio project“4:44” on Friday.

He is a businessman first and musician second (who’s mad? Not me.), so the album was released in partnership with Sprint and his streaming service TIDAL – similar to what he did with Samsung for the release of his previous album “Magna Carter Holy Grail.”

The album hasn’t been out a week and it’s quietly to the point of “what can be said about ‘4:44’ that hasn’t been said already?” However, the conversations around its content continue.

With last year’s “Lemonade,” Beyoncé shocked fans – and probably her JAY-Z as well – with music that showed even the ultimate

power couple is not without its problems, namely her husband’s infidelity.

In “4:44,” the world finally gets JAY-Z’s on record response to “Lemonade.” He offers heartfelt apologizes scattered throughout the album, and as the primary topic of the title track.

She proclaimed that she wasn’t sorry for airing the details, but he clearly is for engaging in the acts that compelled her to turn to her art as an outlet for the frustrations of their marriage.

But “4:44” is bigger than him owning up to doing wrong by Bey.

The ten-track album is a body of work that an elder statesman in hip-hop who has managed to stay relevant for two decades can be especially proud. He carves his own space with a level of personal transparency and candor. And he takes it upon himself to promote fiscal responsibility – a counter to the instant gratification narrative that has been the backbone of hip-hop content since the genre’s inception.

Akon’s Fair St. Louis homecoming

Chart topper Akon was eager to show love to his St. Louis as he kept the hits coming during his high energy headlining performance at Fair St. Louis Sunday night in Forest Park. His family is originally from Senegal, but the rapper/singer/producer and entertainment mogul was born right here in St. Louis and spent several years in the region when his parents performed with late dance icon Katherine Dunham.

E. Faye Butler co-stars in ‘A Funny Thing’

Black & Single

The masterpiece of the album is “The Story of OJ.” Nina Simone’s “Four Women” is the musical backdrop that JAY-Z uses to Newlyweds

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Five times so far this year (yes girl, five times), I’ve run into someone who got married since I saw them last – and I had to learn by bestowing my congratulations that the marriage is already over. What part of the game is

have to pull it back out before it gets a chance to gather dust would be mortifying. A few of the former newlyweds were open enough to share. I thought it would be useful info to be mindful of so that in our quest to get “chose” we don’t wind up filing papers before the ink on the marriage certificate dries.

I saw a

and I knew he was looking forward to the day he said I do with his now ex-wife. The

Nationally renowned actress among anchor performers in Muny’s latest production

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Stage veteran E. Faye Butler simply cannot wait for the masses to see the Muny’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which opened yesterday (July 5) and continues through July 13.

“It’s old theatre at its finest,” Butler said. “It’s slapstick – and saying things that people don’t say anymore on the stage. It’s just fun and quick comedy.”

Butler delighted in just thinking about the play. Her voice beamed as she shared the synopsis.

“All of these funny things happen on the way to the forum,” Butler said. “This is a neighborhood. This is a troupe of actors. We introduce the audience to this troupe of actors who tell you about this story that they are making up.” Butler plays Domina, the clever wife of Senex that everyone loves to hate.

n “Art – no matter what the form of art it is – it helps you grow as an individual. It gives you a wider stance on what the world is around you.”

- E. Faye Butler

“She is kind of exactly what her name is – she is a domineering, strong wife and she runs her household,” Butler said.

“Her husband in many ways is a henpecked husband. He’s the head of the house, but she actually runs it.”

The ensemble production directed by Gary Griffin also features John Tartaglia Ali Ewoldt, Mark Linn-Baker, Marrick Smith, Nathaniel Hackmann, Whit Reichert, Marcus Choi, Justin Keyes and Tommy Scrivens.

“The cast is absolutely amazing – and you have to put a group of what I call theater clowns together to pull this piece off,” Butler said. “There is nothing demure about this show. You’ve got to be able to put it out there on the line. It’s big and it’s broad and it’s what theater is.”

Butler’s introduction to theater came as a small child. Her parents made patronage of the arts a family affair. Every weekend they did something – whether it was film or visiting an art gallery.

Theater stuck with her as the favorite thing they did as a family.

“Art – no matter what the form of art it is – it helps you grow as an individual. It gives you a wider stance on what the world is around you,” Butler said. “It gave me a voice. It made me a very independent-thinking person.”

It was a play called “The Red Shoe” that ordered her steps to the path of theatre. Her elementary school teacher cast her in the play as an incentive to get Butler to be quiet in

JAY-Z shocked his fans with the surprise release of his 13th solo studio project“4:44” on last Friday.

E. Faye Butler

Photo by Vincent Lang

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Thur., July 6, 7 p.m., The Ready Room presents Mark Battles. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 8333929.

Fri., July 7, 9 p.m., Liquid Assets presents Jeezy. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

July 7 – 8, Jazz St. Louis presents Good 4 the Soul –The Music of Prince. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103.

Sat., July 8, 8 p.m., The Fabulous Fox presents Jill Scott. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Sun., July 9, 8 p.m., Live Nation presents the Against All Odds Tour feat. Meek Mill and Yo Gotti. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, visit www. concerts1.livenation.com.

Sun., July 9, 8 p.m., 95.5 The Lou and RockHouse Entertainment present Ladies Night Out with After 7. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Wed., July 12, 6:30 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents Santana. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., July 12, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Songs of the Civil Rights Movement Live. St.

Louis’ best musical artists take you on a journey through America’s continuing struggle towards freedom and justice. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., July 14, 6:30p.m., Now 96.3 presents Now Night Out feat. Flo Rida, AJR, and Allen Gates. St. Charles Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

July 14 – 15, Jazz St. Louis presents Erika Johnson. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103.

Thur., July 20, The Pageant presents Waka Flocka Flame 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Fri., July 21, 8 p.m., 95.5

The Lou District Rhythms Concert Series feat. Jon B and Silk. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www. stlballparkvillage.com.

Fri., July 21, 8 p.m., Platinum Power Moves After Hours presents Lyfe Jennings & David Holister. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 8699090.

Sun., July 23, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors), Community Women Against Hardship Summer Jazz Benefit Concert featuring Montez Coleman, Anita Jackson, Tony Suggs, Jeffrey Anderson with special guest Yancyy, Harold and Dorothy Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington.

Wed., July 26, 7 p.m., The Ready Room presents The Wailers. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 8333929.

Sun., July 30, 7 p.m., United Negro College Fund of St.

The Guide

Louis presents An Evening of Stars Benefit Concert with Chante Moore. Additional performances by Denise Thimes, Cedric the Entertainer, and more. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sat., July 8, 6 p.m., Swinging in the Summer Breeze Jazz Concert feat. Danita Mumphard. North Side Community School, 3033 N. Euclid Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 3859502 or visit www.eventbrite. com.

Sat., July 15, 12 p.m., 3rd Annual Soulition Park Jam. Prepare yourself for a rhythmfilled, soul-infused day of music with DJ Reminise, Nappy DJ Needles, Willpower, and many more. Strauss Park, 3534 Wasington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., July 15, 7:30 p.m., Straighten Up & Fly Right: Chuck Flowers Salutes the Nat King Cole Trio. The Monocle, 4510 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., July 19, 8 p.m., PHE L!VE presents OpenMicChallenge - St. Louis. First round: 10 Artists perform and judges choose top 3; second round: Top 3 artists

perform one song and crowd picks winner. Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 300-8831.

special events

Through July 7, “This Is Hunger” Free National Exhibit. United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Rd., 63141. For more information, visit www. thisishunger.org.

Sat., July 8, 8 a.m., Antiques Roadshow. The hit Nine PBS series stops in St. Louis in search of hidden treasures for an all-day appraisal event. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, call (314) 512-9021 or visit www. ninenet.org.

Sun., July 16, 12 p.m., St. Louis’ Best Bridal Show, Sheraton Westport Hotel, 900 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 475-1202.

Thur., July 13, 10:30 a.m., United 4 Children invites you to their 5th Annual Golf Tournament. Norman K. Probstein Golf Course - Forest Park, 6141 Lagoon Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 531-1412 or visit www. united4children.org.

Thur., July 13, 11 a.m.,

for details.

CAASLC invites you to an Employment & Resource Fair. Confirmed employees include General Motors, Whelan Security, and more. St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 4464431 or visit www.caastlc.org.

Tues., July 14, 11 a.m, Missouri History Museum presents Fundisha Family Dance Workshop. Wiggle and wind with Mama Lisa in this free community dance class driven by the rhythms of the drums. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., July 19, 10:30 a.m., Project Pinx presents Dance Black America: St. Louis. This performance will highlight several locally initiated civil rights movements through dance presentation by area youth. Missouri History Museum.

Sat., July 22, 5 p.m., African Diaspora Council Annual Dinner: Honoring Nelson Mandela’s Life & Legacy African Cultural Center, 1425 Ferguson Ave., 63133. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., July 22, 5 p.m., Dancing with the Stars Live: Hot Summer Nights. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. peabodyoperahouse.com.

Sun., July 23, 2 p.m., Northside Seventh-Day Adventist 1st annual Community Fest. 9001 Lucas & Hunt Rd., 63138. For more information, call (314) 8680707.

Sun., July 23, 7:30 p.m., Big Girl’s Entrepreneurs presents Big Girl Magic featuring special guest BOLO The Entertainer, Blackmon’s Plaza, 127 Collinsville, East St. Louis IL. Sat., July 29, 7 p.m., Mind Over Magic. A modern, edgy, family friendly, interactive magic show. The Monocle, 4510 Manchester Ave., 63110.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., July 30, 7 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents Bring It! Live. They’re back with hotter than ever, never before seen performances. 1400 Market St., 63103.

July 6 – 9, Funny Bone St. Louis presents Guy Torry 614 Westport Plaza, 63146. Fri., July 7, 8 p.m., Precise Entertainment presents Chris Mosley Jr.: Big Chris Son. Hosted by Mike Gerdine and featuring comedians Larry Greene and Jarrel Cooper. Voce, 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., July 16, 7 p.m., Helium Comedy Club presents Meet Me in St. Louis…Dammit feat. Anthony Session. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117. For more information, visit www.helimcomedy.com.

Sat., July 22, 7:30 p.m., Burlesque Bad & Bougie Comedy. Sugar Brown, discloses her diaries through standup comedy and sexy burlesque dance. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., July 28, 7 p.m., The Laugh Lounge Comedy Club presents Paul Mooney Live. 11208 W. Florissant Ave., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-2810.

Sat., July 8, 10 a.m., Eternal Impact Book Fair and Carnival. We will have games, food, prizes, entertainment, and free books for kids. Wellspring Church, 33 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www.wellspringchurchlent.org

The Fabulous Fox presents Jill Scott. See CONCERTS

Sat., July 8, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Roxane Gay, author of Hunger. Explore what it means to be overweight in a time when the bigger you are, the less you are seen. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

Tues., July 11, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Matthew Quick, author of The Reason You’re Alive A Vietnam vet embarks on a crusade to track down his nemesis from the war in this examination of how the debts we carry from our past define us. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

Wed., July 12, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Joanna Dee Das, author of Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Thur., July 13, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Edward Moore, author of The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues A paradoxical marriage brings together the people of Plainview with Blues guitarist Eli Walker, who once vowed to never set foot in the town again. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Wed., July 19, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents The Making of an All-American City: East St. Louis at 150. Hear from the book’s contributors about this collection of insightful essays that cover East St. Louis’s turbulent history. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Wed., July 19, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Bruce Olson, author of That St. Louis Thing: An American Story of Roots, Rhythm and Race, Volumes 1 & 2. Over 100 years of the city’s famed musical development placed in the context of its civil rights movement. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Fri., July 7, 5:30 p.m., 6th Annual Contemporary Night Out. A collaborative evening of short, informative programs about contemporary art centered on the theme Artist & Urbanism. 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.camstl.org/nightout.

July 15 – 16, Visual Narcos invites you to King of All I Survey…The Solo Exhibition by Kas King. Magnify Art Gallery, 904 S. 4th St., 63103.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., July 16, 6 p.m., Good Journey Development Foundation cordially invites you to Art in Our World. Beauty Ngxongo will demonstrate the wonders of Zulu Basket Weaving. Exodus Art Gallery, 5075 Delmar Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. goodjourney.org.

Fri., July 21, 11 a.m., St. Louis ArtWorks Summer Sale. View and purchase the work the apprentices have created in the summer program. 5959 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.stlartworks.org.

Thur., July 16, 6 p.m., Good Journey Development Foundation cordially invites you to Art in Our World Beauty Ngxongo is an exceptional artist from South Africa and will demonstrate the wonders of Zulu Basket Weaving. Exodus Art Gallery, 5075 Delmar Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. goodjourney.org.

Through October 7, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents Blue Black curated by Glenn Ligon, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

lectures and workshops

Sun., July 9, 6 p.m., 13 Entertainment, LLC presents Financial Love Making: Blending Entrepreneurship and Relationships. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., July 12, 9 a.m., The Basics of Writing a Business Plan. The session will cover key elements of a business plan, writing techniques, instructions on using a business plan, and more.

SLATE American Job Center, 1520 Market St., 63103. For more information or to register, call (314) 657-3599.

Wed., July 12, 9 a.m., The Basics of Writing a Business Plan. The session will cover key elements of a business plan, writing techniques, instructions on using a business plan, and more.

SLATE American Job Center, 1520 Market St., 63103. For more information or to

Sat., July 15, 8:15 a.m.,

SCORE Seminar – How to Start and Manage Your Own Business. Learn to assess your prospects, define the initial direction you need, and determine how to move forward to realize your dream. Fontbonne University, Anheuser Busch Hall, 6800 Wydown, 63105. For more information, call (314) 5396601.

Sat., July 15, 10 a.m., First Time Homebuyers Seminar. Join Tiffany Hamilton and Nisaa El-Hasaan to learn ins and outs of what it takes to find a home, get into a home, and financing options. 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., July 20, 7 p.m., St. Louis Rogues’ Gallery. Join Shayne Davidson as she shares how she scoured various sources to track down information about the accused people depicted in the St. Louis Police Department’s rogues’ gallery. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112.

Sat., July 22, 1 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Confederate Currency: The Color of Money – Depictions of Slavery in Confederate

of Nursing, Barnes Jewish Hospital, 4483 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.slayingdragons.org.

health

Sat., July 8, 12 noon, The 7th Annual Washing Out With Washers Tournament to benefit St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA), Tower Grove Park (at the Tunica site). The cost to participate is $30 each or $60 per team. Spectators will be asked to pay $15 each, in support of SLOCA. To register a team, e-mail jason. jmjevents@hotmail.com.

Sat., July 8, 1 p.m., Neighborhood Health Care Block Party at Miss Tillie’s Corner, 1349 N Garrison Ave, St Louis, MO 63106-1537. For more information, call (314) 495-3686.

Sat., July 15, 11 a.m., African Community Health Fair. We will have health screenings, fitness demonstrations, wellness workshops, entertainment, and more.

and Southern States Currency. Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, visit www.slpl.org.

theatre

July 7 – 16, First Run

Theatre presents Dreaming in Black and White. In 1963 Virginia, dreams and fears collide when Pearlene, a black caretaker, is hired to help care for Sonny, a white man with heart disease. 726 Leland Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

Tues., July 11, 12:45 p.m., Slaying Dragons presents Boogieban. A performance on the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder. Contains strong language. Goldfarb School

James Milton Turner Park, North Sarah, 63113. For more information, call (314) 8759277 or visit www.eventbrite. com.

Mon., July 17, 8 a.m., Project AWARE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. This is the initial help offered to adolescent youth developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Behavioral Health Response, 12647 Olive Blvd., Ste. 200, 63141. For more information, call (314) 628-6229 or visit www.bhrstl.org.

spiritual

Through July 7, 7 p.m.

nightly, Southern Mission Baptist Church presents a Three Church Revival Thursday, July 6, Liberty Community Worship Center with Pastor Jason Durham,

11221 Larimore Rd., Spanish Lake, MO 63138; Friday, July 7 First Missionary Baptist Church of Kinloch with Bishop John Mitchell, Jr., 4400 Parker Rd., Florissant, MO 63033. For more information, call (314) 521-3951.

July 24-July 28, Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, under the leadership of Bishop Elijah Hankerson III, presents its COGIC Second Annual Holy Convocation, Theme: “In This Changing World, Let Us Hold On To Our Unchanging Faith” 1 Corinthians 15:58;Colossians 1:9-23; II Timothy 3:1-17; Jude 3-4 Kennerly Temple Chruch of God In Christ, 4307 Kennerly Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63113. For more information Call Pastor Travis J. Cox 314-761-5148.

July 7 – 11, Webster University presents I Am the Blues. The film visits blues musicians rooted in the genre’s heyday still living in the American Deep South and touring the Chitlin’ Circuit. 470 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www. events.webster.edu.

Thur., July 13, 12 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Secret Tunnel Warfare Film Screening During WWI, American forces planted 600 tons of explosives in secret tunnels under German trenches. Learn the details of the operation and why it ultimately failed to end the warfare. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112.

Sun., July 16, 2 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents the Fashion on Film Series: Fresh Dressed. The history of Hip-Hop, Urban fashion and its rise from southern cotton plantations to the gangs of 1970s, to corporate America, and everywhere in-between. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. slam.org.

Funny Bone St. Louis presents Guy Torry. For more information, see COMEDY.

point out that America is anything but post-racial, while simultaneously issuing a call to action for rappers to stop promoting frivolous spending and the “YOLO (you only live once)” culture.

“You wanna know what’s more important than throwing away money in the strip club? ... Credit,” he raps in “The Story of OJ.” “Financial freedom my only hope … [expletive] living rich and dying broke” he says later in the song. My hope is that “The Story of OJ” becomes for 4:44 what “D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)” was to “The Blueprint 3.”

When “D.O.A.” dropped in 2009, rappers were called out for relying on the synthesized sound. The era essentially ended as the song – and the album – challenged hiphop artists to evolve and encouraged them to stretch beyond the confines imposed upon the genre.

In a perfect world, the same thing will happen when rappers hear themselves being called

SINGLE

Continued from C1

Facebook profile pic of them exchanging vows was the first thing that popped in my head, so I just jumped into my well wishes. “Congratulations on getting married.” I say loudly and joyfully with my already loud-and-joyful voice.

I’m still kicking myself that I didn’t look down at his hand first, but hey, married men don’t always wear their wedding rings – especially not in the club. He’s absolutely not the creeping kind though. His smile morphed into a blank stare. There was an awkward pause before he

to task for “making it rain”

in “The Story of OJ,” and the several other references to the importance of legacy building and generational wealth over the course of “4:44.” He summons black people in general to stop thinking as mere consumers and capitalize

whispered in my ear “I’m divorced.” I was so embarrassed. So was he. Since it was already awkward and the exact same thing happened two weeks ago, I felt like I might as well ask him what happened.

“Being husband and wife is different from being boyfriend and girlfriend – even being fiancées,” he said. “It felt right and we did everything ‘the right way.’ But once we got in it, we just knew it wasn’t going last forever early on. It was pointless to put off the inevitable.”

He said the biggest takeaway is that operating as a married unit working together requires next-level compromise and sacrifice.

“I don’t care how many

on the staggering buying power by supporting our own.

“What’s better than one millionaire? Two,” JAY-Z said on “Family Feud.” “Especially when they from the same hue as you,” he continues as he tells them to buy black and build black.

pre-marital counseling classes you take, how long you have been together or how bad you say you want it,” Dante said.

“I don’t know how else I could have done things differently. My parents are still together and I never in a million years thought I would be ‘the d word’. Everything happens for a reason and I guess I needed this to prepare me for the woman I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with.

David (not his real name either) knew on the honeymoon that things weren’t right, but he still thought he could will his way to happily ever after.

“Things didn’t gel once we proceeded with planning the wedding – but I assumed it was the stress of all of that. But

There are a few missteps on the album. The main one is the ease in which he passes judgment onto the current generation of rappers.

It’s a fact that JAY-Z managed to build an empire without a major label deal out the gate –but him not getting a deal wasn’t from a lack of trying. He deserves huge props for the work he put in to become a mogul in every sense of the word. However, we will never know what his journey would have looked like had a major label taken an interest.

He’s also too heavy-handed in how he writes-off the newest batch of hip-hop as lacking creativity. It is hypocritical –especially when he name drops Rev. Al Sharpton and Bill Cosby for being out of touch because they and others of the old guard didn’t embrace him.

Jabs at the next class aside, JAY-Z shows how to grow up in the rap game with “4:44.”

There’s no need to get in on the gimmick when you can promote personal reflection, growth and atonement in a way that is fresh and relevant. “4:44” is currently available through the Tidal streaming service and Sprint.com.

when we got away and were supposed to be overjoyed. I was. She wasn’t. I thought ‘we have the rest of our lives to figure things out,’ and tried to do my best to make her happy. It wasn’t enough.”

Six months later, she left him. He was devastated. She was the woman of his dreams – and she never let him forget it the whole time they were together.

He was so happy to have her that he was willing to do whatever it took to keep her – even if that meant spending the rest of his life as the consolation prize.”

“If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t have gone so hard pursuing somebody who undervalued me,” David said.

MUNY

Continued from C1

class. Ironically, the talkative youngster was assigned the role of a deaf-mute. Being able to convey emotions without words and still connect with the audience was a transformative experience for her.

“That was the first time I knew in my heart that I wanted to be in show business – and I haven’t stopped since then,” said Butler.

She has enjoyed an incredible career in the forty-plus years since.

“I love the reaction of people in the moment. It’s a live medium that I love,” Butler said. “With all of the electronics, and the social media, and the televisions, and the movies and the special effects and so on, it’s great to go to the theater and create a moment. You can never fully repeat a performance. It’s never the same audience. Although you have the same script in your hand, every performance is different.”

The Chicago native’s original intention was to do drama.

She is a classically trained

Larry and his wife got married at the courthouse opting to spend their money on an extravagant honeymoon in Jamaica this summer.

They didn’t make it to the honeymoon. He ended up going alone.

“It was a destination divorce,” he said laughing.

“We went to court to finalize things on Friday and I got on the plane at 6 a.m. Saturday morning.”

He still had his tan from the trip.

As far as what went wrong, he said “everything.”

She made it seem like things were going to be like they had always been, but once we said I do, she flipped the script. It was too much nagging and

actress, but she wasn’t getting work doing straight plays because there weren’t a lot of roles for African-Americans –especially African-American women.

“The pickings were very slim, but I had an agent tell me, ‘If you could sing, you could have another avenue,” Butler said. She could. And she did. The work has been steady to say the least.

“I didn’t get into the business to do musical theatre, but it has become my bread and butter,” Butler said. “It literally feeds me.”

She says she has been blessed to have never experienced a downturn – and works now more than ever. Butler believes the secret to her success has been a full and well-rounded life.

“Have a life outside of the stage,” Butler said. “There is nothing better to bring to the table than life experiences. It makes me a better performer and a better storyteller.”

The Muny’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” continues through July 13. For more information, visit www.muny. org or call (314) 961-1900.

drama.”

Theresa was on the rebound from a broken engagement when she and a former boyfriend-turned-longtime friend decided to rekindle. Before either of them knew it, they ended up down the aisle. Before I knew not to say

“Congratulations, girl,” they had already split up.

“There were so many things that drove us apart,” Theresa said. “The main thing was me not admitting that I was letting the pressure of being single get to me. I tolerated things that would have been deal-breakers. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be patient, be prayerful and be aware of what you won’t stand for and hold to that.”

Jay-Z

Celebrations

Centenarians

Mother Dr. Theresa Bolden celebrated her 100th birthday with a celebration at the Polish Heritage Center on June 25. Dr. Bolden was born May 24, 1917, the wife of the late Varney Bolden, mother of five children, retired SLPS Educator, former President of the St. Louis Council of Parent Teachers Association and Supervisor of the Department of Women for Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction COGIC.

Reunions

Beaumont High School

Class of 1972 is celebrating 45th class reunion August 11 -13, 2017. Activities have been planned for a fun filled weekend you don’t want to miss. Please direct all inquiries and registration request to Sharon Webb Steele at (314) 757-2799 or Linda Howard at (314) 397-5570. You may also use Facebook , BHS72 Reunion Committee.

Beaumont High School,

Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Cleveland High School is hosting a reunion for all attending 1980-1984 on August 19, 2017 at Catering To You Banquet Center (12775 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63033) For information, please contact Babette Perkins-Anderson at 314-345-0939.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at

314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman) Holden 314-685-0466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Mr. Eldridge Bryant, Sr. is hosting a reunion for his students at Lafayette and Monroe Elementary Schools in SLPS from 1999-2000. For more information, please contact him at: 314-489-0532 or eldridgbrya@sbcglobal.net.

O’Fallon Technical High School Class of 1967, will be celebrating its 50th reunion on September 15-17, 2017. If you have not received a letter or e-mail, please call 314630-8452 with your contact information, and a committee member will contact you.

Born June 28, 1917, Dorothy Troupe Marshall (née Smith) celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends in St Louis, including daughter Janet Freeman, cousin Charles Quincy Troupe, son Quincy Troupe with his wife Margaret, cousins Betty TroupeFrye and Alvin Troupe, plus a host of grand, greatgrandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Soldan High School Class of 1967 will be holding its 50th class reunion September 29-30, 2017. For additional information, please contact Nona Binion Simpkins at 314361-3799or Melvia Forniss at 314-725-8103.

Soldan is having its 12th AllClass Alumni Picnic August 12, 2017 at Tiemeyer Park, 3311 Ashby Rd., St. Ann, MO 63074 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The picnic is free. Bring your own basket or grill and grill out there. Food truck will be on site. T-Shirts will be sold for $15.00. You have until August 6, 2017, to get your grad. year put on the sleeve. For more information, call (314) 4139088.

Sumner Class of 1982 will have its 35-year reunion August 3-6, 2017 at TanTar-A resort in the Lake of the Ozarks. We are inviting all alumni, friends and families to join us. For more information, please contact Lovey Davis at 314-435-8055, Michelle Elgin at 314-452-1275 or Jonathan Butler at 314-437-9758 for more information, to make reservations or get a reunion packet.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to:

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO

Bernd and Sharon Marion of Black Jack, MO celebrated 38 years of marriage on June 30! God has truly blessed this union. Prayers, family, friends and love have kept us together.

Swag Snap of the Week

Jammin’ with Juvie. I made my second trip to Mystic in as many months Friday to check out New Orleans rapper Juvenile and enjoyed myself just as much as I thought I would. Juvenile had Mystic even more on lean than I expected – which is saying a lot because I know he’s a St. Louis favorite, and has family ties here. The crowd was as extra as I had prepared myself, but I didn’t mind. My girl T-Baby was in the building perched on stage looking straight outta “Bompton” with all red everything. Juvenile had the folks all the way turned up as he went through his “Cash Money” classics. Was I the only one who caught him accidently singing into that Hennessy bottle instead of the microphone?

Akon at The (un)Fair. Since I’m on the subject of St. Louis ties, I might as well let y’all know I got my cardio in and celebrated the 4th by walking the entire Forest Park to check out our own Akon as he headlined the Sunday concert for Fair St. Louis. It was plain as day that some of the volunteers and staff acted like they didn’t want certain people to patronize the festivities, if you get my drift. It irked my last nerve. If I had ever seen him live before, I would have charged it to the game and walked the 6.2 miles right back to my car. He was great though –and the general population that had the area around the stage packed as far as the eye can see – got their life as much I did. I was thrilled that he shouted out Katherine Dunham and East St. Louis in between telling the folks to “smack that.”

Cackling with Melanie Camarcho. I made it my business to check out Melanie Camarcho at The Laugh Lounge, and I guess Melanie, Jessie Taylor, Brother Dre and me were about the only ones who knew there was a second show. That crowd was so light that I was thinking, “too bad the lobby at The Jack in the Box is closed because we could have moved it over there and I could have demolished some deep fried tacos in between chuckles.” She seemed shook about at first, but she was the consummate professional and gave the folks who came through their money’s worth and more. They flashed that light so much that I thought somebody was going to have to get up there and snatch her off stage. I’m glad I stopped through – and I will most definitely be in the building for comedy legend Paul Mooney on Friday July 28. From what I hear Mr. Mooney is bowing out of the standup game, so don’t miss what might be your last time to catch him live.

Blue-Phi at the boathouse. The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma were deep up in the building at the Forest Park Boathouse for their Stars and Stripes Bash Saturday night. You know your set is official if folks are willing to fight through the Fair St. Louis road closures to come through. It was more than a notion maneuvering, but once I got in, I’m glad I stopped through. I can honestly say that I haven’t been to a party put on by the Sigmas where there wasn’t a solid sized crowd of folks genuinely enjoying themselves –and Saturday was no exception. I was looking for frat brothers Boogie D and Jerryl Christmas to be up in there, but perhaps I missed them.

Empty boots for Bernice. I’m assuming from the way T.I. surprised and serenaded

Tiny when the Xscape Reunion tour trotted through Detroit that he and Bernice Burgos are no longer an item. However, the vixen has already made a few coins capitalizing on their relationship and her killer curves by way of special appearances. She came through the Marquee Friday night and is as stunning as she was late. What I don’t understand is why she didn’t show up until after 2 a.m. I wouldn’t wait until 2 to see T.I. Okay, yes I would – but I would be conflicted and threaten to leave to anyone who would listen. I don’t know what the holdup was, but I do know she had lots and lots of baby hair. It shouldn’t have taken her that long Jam that up into those waves she had wrapped around her little French braids. She might have been waiting on the crowd – if that’s the case, she’s probably still over there. I’m not hating on the girl … she is gorgeous and was as sweet as she can be. I hope she parlays a career out of her celebrity love life and becomes the next Karreuche Tran Eligible bachelor buffet at the brunch. Saturday afternoon I made my way to TAHA’A Twisted Tike for Koncepts, Fred Finley and Caressa Davis’ Brunch Booze and Beats. I have never felt so bad about going somewhere looking any kind of way because there were fine men who I’m certain are on the market from front to back up in there. It was a little tight on the ground floor patio, but I really liked the concept and the vibe of the whole event. And if they do it again, I will be sure to dust off my Easter suit for the sole premise of getting “chose.” I’ll be sure to let y’all know when the next one is so that we can secretly get our speed date on! A footnote for ESSENCE. Speakin’ of New Orleans, for the first time in a minute I didn’t make my way down to New Orleans for ESSENCE Festival – and y’all made sure to rub it in with your little Facebook and IG posts, didn’t you? Some of my faves made their way down to the N.O. from the STL. Naretha Hopson was absolutely killing the game with her stunner shades and sickening short blonde natural. Rhashad Whittier is the biological son of Mr. Steal Your Grandma. My girl Maria Antoinette had me beaming with pride when I saw her representing the Cantu natural hair brand. Patricia Moore, one of my favorite makeup artists (and wife of Willie Moore Jr.) was down there too. And as I was watching a clip at one of the most ________ (insert new slang for crunk) after parties, who did I see towering over everyone on stage but Mo Spoon. And I also saw that my girl Janee’ formerly of Hot 104.1 (now the midday personality for K 92.7 FM in Georgia), Kianga Byrd and filmmaker Dana Christian were getting their ESSENCE fest on as well. If I missed anybody, I’m sorry. If you head back next year, hit me up and I’ll shout you out – or see you there. Stay tuned.

Kayln and Richard Keith made sure they arrived early to “Gossedstl” hosted by Teddy B Free on Sunday @The Marquee

T-Baby had an opportunity to meet hip-hop veteran Spice 1 before the Juvenile concert @ Mystic on Friday

Briana and Juan started their Saturday off having brunch with Chef Jack @Taha’s Twisted Tiki

T-Marley hosted and Bernice Burgos turnt up as Hella Fly Promotions celebrated their 8th Anniversary at The Marquee on Friday

Camillia, Charles and Marcus of Kixare4kids took home the best vendor booth award at the 2017 Show Me Kicks Expo on Saturday @ The Old Post Office

Melanie Comarcho and host Jessie Taylor enjoyed a few chuckles before her show @The Laugh Lounge Friday night

Ashjia and Aaron were lucky to have seats in the full house that came through to catch Juvenile Friday night @ Mystic

Army Veterans Robert and Evan celebrated Independence Day Sunday afternoon @ Fair St. Louis in Forest Park

Morris and Yoyo came out to party with Nappy DJ Needles as he paid tribute to Missy Elliot during “HOLLAAA!” @2720 on Saturday

The Umbrella Group’s “All White Everything Affair” brought Haniyyah and Kameela out early Saturday night @HG

New Orleans rap veteran Juvenile had the crowd’s full attention for his mini-concert at Mystic Friday night. Also in the building was Bay Area rap veteran Spice 1.

Photos by V Lang

St. LouiS american Career Center

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER

Webster University has an opening for an Assistant Controller. Please apply online at http://webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2546. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Normandy Schools

Collaborative

Now Hiring School Bus Drivers

We offer paid training and a starting rate of $15.00 per hour Apply at: www.normandysc.org

LIFE GUARDS NEEDED

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is looking for Life Guards to monitor swimmers in our INDOOR pool. Interested? Apply at bgcstl.org/careers OR call 314-335-8017.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Kirkwood, MO seeks Police Officer applicants. Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment; have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; possess a valid driver’s license; meet the POST training requirements for a first class county in the State of Missouri, or currently be enrolled in a qualified academy graduating during calendar year 2017; and be in excellent physical and mental condition. Starting Salary: $55,656.51 per year or depending on experience, plus benefits. E-mail mcfatrmc@kirkwoodmo.org or call 314/984-6975 by 5:00 p.m. CST; Friday, July 7, 2017 for the application. EOE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Application for the position of Adminisrative Assistant at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 4300 Delmar Blvd. are being accepted. Please call the church for an application and further information (314.531.6390). Or email your request to: galileedelmar@aol.com

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Works a 12 hour shift booking, processing and supervising prisoners. Must be high school graduate or GED; 21 years of age, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Valid driver’s license preferred. Starting salary $29,680.56.

Must complete corrections application available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or online at www.cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETED APPLICATION! Returned application must include a current record check from St. Louis City and County Police Dept. Application deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Missouri wanted in St. Louis. Salary $38,808-$40,776 (depending on qualifications). Master’s degree preferred. Will consider bachelor’s degree in counseling with social service background. Please apply online at dese.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Public Works Street/Park Laborer

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the position of Public Works laborer. Duties include street maintenance and repair, snow plowing and maintenance to public buildings and facilities.

Must have current valid driver’s license and have or be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license, class B. (CDL/B permit required before starting work.) Experience in concrete and asphalt work or operation of heavy equipment such as a dump truck, street sweeper or high lift preferred. Hours 7:00 to 3:30, Mon-Fri, with some evenings or weekends. Starting salary $27,573 without CDL/B (W4), $28,801.50 with CDL/B license (W5).

Applications available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave., 63136 or online at cityofjennings.org. Include copy of driver’s license with returned application. Applications accepted through 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017. No resumes accepted without our application.

Alpha & Omega Driving Service Now Hiring, Starting off @ $10.00/hr Give Gary a call for details 618-363-2379

JEWISH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE MANAGER

Provide on-going care management services that identify needs and provide linkages to community resources for adults, adolescents and children living with a serious mental illness. Apply online: WWW.JFCSAPPLY.COM with cover letter and resume. Jewish Family & Children’s Service –St. Louis EOE M/F/D/V

FIREMEDIC

Pattonville Fire Protection District is accepting applications for a PartTime Fire Inspector position. Must meet minimum qualification, please see website at www.pattonvillefd.com for details. Apply at 13900 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, Missouri, 63044; from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 23rd through July 14th, 2017.

PASTOR

Local Baptist Church is accepting applications for a Pastor. We are a strong core of faithful members seeking a committed and spiritual leader. Please forward resume to 3927 N. Market Street St. Louis, MO 63113.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE, P-T

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a part-time Visitor Experience Representative. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

NHPRC DIGITIZATION SPECIALIST AND CATALOGER

The Missouri History Museum seeks a temporary, part-time NHPRC Digitization Specialist and Cataloger. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer STAFF ACCOUNTANT

The Missouri History Museum seeks a Staff Accountant. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Teaching Professor

The Department of Biology at the University of Missouri–St. Louis invites applications for a full-time, nine-month position as an Assistant Teaching Professor. The position is a non-tenure track, renewable appointment beginning in August of 2017. Teaching responsibilities will include Introduction to Biology, Vertebrate Anatomy lecture and lab, Vertebrate Physiology lecture and lab, and additional courses to be selected based on applicant expertise and department need. Teaching will involve lecture, laboratory, and supervision of graduate teaching assistants. Some evening teaching is to be expected. The successful candidate also will participate in advising of undergraduate Biology majors. Optional summer teaching is possible.

PARTNERSHIP SALES & SERVICES MANAGER

Explore St. Louis has an immediate opening for a Partnership Sales & Services Manager within our Partnership Department. Primary duties include; generating new partners and secure retention of current partners, through telephone, email and personal visits. This position will generate new sales and work to maintain lasting partners. Will be required to conduct sales visits to potential clients and locations and will identify and develop accounts as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be able to build and maintain business relationships; must have knowledge of the St. Louis community, area attractions and venues. Experience with the hospitality industry preferred. Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years sales/marketing experience. Must be able to work a flexible schedule and obtain and keep a valid driver’s license. Applicants please email resume with cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

The Gatesworth is HIRING Full-time Housekeepers Full-time Houseman/ Floor Tech Days, Evenings, and Over-nights

Please send your resume to recruiting@thegatesworth.com.

HEALTHCARE OUTREACH COORDINATOR

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Public Works Laborer. Apply at www.richmondheights.applicantpro.com/jobs/ by Wednesday, July 5th.

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

officer, as determined by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Peace Office Standards & Training (POST) Program. Bi-weekly rate of pay for a Police Officer (Trainee) is $1,539.00. For Police Probationary Officer, the annual rate is $41,815.28. To apply, visit the City web site at http://stlouis-mo.gov/jobs. Additional information concerning the Police Officer (Trainee) process can be found on the St. Louis Police Division’s website at http://stmpd.org.careers.shtml Or contact: City of St. Louis Department of Personnel 1114 Market Street, Room 700 St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 622-4308

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received to fill the anticipated vacancies. Applications can be submitted on the Internet. Please submit Employment Application as soon as possible.

Position requires City residency within 120 days of completion of the initial working test period. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline and previous teaching experience, with relevant post-doctoral experience desirable. Salary with benefits will be commensurate with experience. The application should include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, a statement of teaching interests and experience, and contact information for three references. The application materials should be combined into a single PDF or Microsoft Word file and uploaded online at http://www.umsl. jobs. For additional information, contact Dr. Wendy Olivas at olivasw@umsl.edu. Review of applications will begin June 30, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.

UM-St. Louis does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. UM-St. Louis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity.

De Smet Jesuit High School seeks highly qualified candidates for the full-time position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the 2017–2018 school year. Successful candidates will have a master’s degree in education or academic field and a minimum of three to five years of experience in providing diversity-related programming to adolescents. More information is available at https://www.desmet.org/ about/careers. Send a resumé, cover letter, and three references to Katie Martin, Assistant to the President, at kmartin2@desmet.org. Application materials will be accepted through July 14.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER NEEDED

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is looking for a school bus driver. Interested? Apply at bgcstl.org/careers OR call 314-335-8017.

Full Time. Reports to Director, Medical & Research Initiatives. Responsible for outreach to ancillary healthcare and service providers for the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter. The position has primary responsibility for conducting outreach to social workers and case managers as well as local Area Agencies on Aging, home care service providers with the goal of developing mutually beneficial direct referral relationships. Measurable outcomes are increased referrals from service providers to Association programs, increased Care Consultation delivery and expenditure of the respite funds.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree with 2 years post graduate work experience. Background in social services, sales, marketing and dementia with knowledge about the goals of the Alzheimer’s Association helpful. Demonstrated professional networking / relationships management skills and experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook and strong ability to use Excel. Experience with Access database application preferred. Strong organizational skills, detail oriented and ability to plan, coordinate and manage budgets and programs Experience working with clerical staff and volunteers.

Please submit your résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements and a minimum of two professional references to Stl-hr@alz.org

YOUTH LEADER SPECIALIST I/II

Youth Leader Specialist I/II positions at the St. Louis City Family Court Juvenile Division - Includes Full Benefit Package detailed info at www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com EOE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Musick Avenue Bridge No.

412, St. Louis County Project No. CR1452, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on July 12, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on June 19, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

BID REQUEST

KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from MBE, and WBE businesses for the Davisdale Conservation Area Bridge Replacement, Howard County, MO.

Plans and specifications are available

• To view electronically at no charge from: http://mdc.adsmo.net

• To view at our Camdenton office

• By a Dropbox Link from jmorrow@kciconstruction.com

Subcontractor bids are due by 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2017. You may email bids to jmorrow@kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Investigation and review of MSD construction plans. The District is proposing single source procurement for this with MO AMERICAN WATER. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

Fraternal Organization

Pull-Tabs, Dispensers and Related Services

The Missouri Lottery is accepting bids for the purpose of establishing a contract for fraternal organization pull-tabs, dispensers and related services . The bid document with the specifications can be obtained by going to http://www.molottery.com/ learnaboutus/bid_opportunities.shtm or by contacting Judy Martin at judy. martin@molottery.com or 573-7514050.

BID REQUEST

KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from MBE, and WBE businesses for the Roaring River Fish Hatchery Spring Pool Renovation, Barry County, MO

Plans and specifications are available

• To view electronically at no charge from: http://mdc.adsmo.net

• To view at our Camdenton office

• By a Dropbox Link from jmorrow@kciconstruction.com

Subcontractor bids are due by 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017. You may email bids to jmorrow@kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: First Source and BUD Training Program. The District is proposing single source procurement to SLATE (St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment). Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) and TRAINING NOTICE

2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding

The City of St. Louis will be accepting proposals for 2018 CDBG funding beginning July 10, 2017 and ending at 4:00 p.m. CST on August 11, 2017. Beginning July 10, 2017, the RFP and related documents can be found on the Community Development Administration (CDA) website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/community-development/cdbg/2018-cdbg-funding-cycle-non-housing-production.cfm.

Grants Management System Training

2018 CDBG proposals must be submitted in CDA’s electronic grants management system (EGrAMS). CDA will hold a training session for organizations interested in learning more about EGrAMS on July 11, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The session will be held at the CDA office, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Please visit www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/egrams for additional information and to review instructions on how to submit proposals in EGrAMS.

RFP Workshop

CDA will host a workshop to answer questions on the RFP on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the CDA office, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions concerning the RFP process may also be directed to Alana Green, Executive Director, at CDBG@stlouis-mo.gov.

CDA is an equal opportunity agency (employer). Minority participation is encouraged.

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on Re-Bid of Caulks Creek Pump Station B Force Main Contract Letting No. 11788-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

J & J Boring

636/566-6766

Super Excavators N59 W14601 Bobolink Ave Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 262/252-3200

The meeting will take place at 1:30 p.m. July 11, 2017

SITE Improvement Association

2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this pre-bid meeting, contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is confirming: VACTOR Brand Combination Sewer Cleaning Vehicle. The District is proposing single source procurement to COE EQUIPMENT, the Proprietary Parts and Technology for Repair. Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am August 1, 2017 for: Rebuild Two Belt Filter Presses

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 9032 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting a Request for Proposals for Original Renderings and Illustrations and a Request for Qualifications for Community Engagement. Check www.GreatRiversGreenway.org/jobs and submit by July 21.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to establish a Plan Room in support of increased capability of minority and women owned construction firms. Proposals are due 4:00 pm. On July 18, 2017 at SLDC’s office 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103, attention Howard Hayes. The complete RFP package may be obtained online from SLDC’s website www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc or by contacting Howard Hayes at 314657-3707 or hayesh@stlouis-mo.gov.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: REBUILD FOR CLARIFIER #6. EVOQUA WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC was the Supplier used in the Best Interest of the District. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for KIRKWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL, SIMMONS, WILSON, W SARAH I/I REDUCTION (MANCHESTER RD AND KIRKWOOD RD) under Letting No. 11995015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, August 08, 2017, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure funds as described in Ordinance 14612: in agreement with SMARTGEOTECH, Inc; The District is proposing Single Source Procurement to SMARTGEOTECH Inc. for Technological Upgrade to the current Everest application. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BID NOTICE Ackerman Toyota is looking for contractors for a Demolition project at the site of our new location at 2020 Hampton ave, St Louis Mo. Please email your bid for the demolition of the old building to Bill@ackermantoyota.com

SEALED BIDS

for RenovationsMontauk Lodge, Montauk State P a r k , S a l e m , Missouri, Project No. X1609-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/3/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

BID

E-bid for St. Louis Community College on Bid No. B0003647 for a contract for Hardware Supply Items will be received until 3:00 P.M. (local time) on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 @ 3:00 pm at the Dept. of Purchasing, 300 So. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/ purchasing. Call (314) 539-5225 for additional information. EOE/AA Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS # 57817180, Payment Management System

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting sealed proposals for a campus-wide Payment Management System. A copy of the RFP is available by calling (314) 340-3325, emailing: barskys@hssu.edu or faxing a written request to: (314) 340-3322.

Proposals will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017 and should be mailed or delivered in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Proposal for Payment Management System” to Harris-Stowe State University, Attn: Shelley Barsky; 3026 Laclede Ave., Room 105, St, Louis, MO 63103.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on August 9, 2017 to contract with a company for: SHOP TIRE SERVICE TRUCKS. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9042 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

INVITATION TO BID

Notice is hereby given that Super Excavators, Inc. is requesting quotes from qualified MBE Subcontractors & Suppliers for the following project: Re-Bid Caulks Creek Pump Station B Force Main, bidding on August 1, 2017 at 2:00PM with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. We are soliciting quotations for all trades including the following segments of work, and any others that may have inadvertently been left off of this list: site work, abandonments, curb replacement & removal, dewatering, chain link fencing, protection & restoration of site, seeding & sodding, concrete sidewalk, asphalt paving, pipe supply, quality control and testing, field engineering / surveying, temporary power, hauling & disposal, traffic control, site security, and other associated works. We will be hosting prebid meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 1:30pm, at the SITE Improvement Association Office at 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303. The purpose of this meeting is to disperse pertinent project details, and provide an opportunity for Certified MBE subcontractors, suppliers, or manufacturers to meet and discuss specific opportunities with Super Excavators. We encourage all interested MBEs to attend. Please contact Pete or Jeff at (262) 252-3200 or email plans@superexcavators.com for additional information, to request copies of project documents, for assistance with bonding/insurance, and/or to discuss available opportunities. Complete all negotiations prior to July 28th at 5:00PM. Super Excavators, Inc. N59 W14601 Bobolink Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DRAFTING, AND ESTIMATING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, July 13, 2017 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

MBE/WBE/SDVBE INVITATION TO BID

K&S Associates will be accepting bids for the following projects during the month of July. Hill Hall Renovation –MSU Springfield, MO – July 11. Building 1029 Renovation –Lt Leonard Wood -- July 20. Plans and Specs can be viewed at www.ksgcstlplanroom.com Submit Bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302 Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions.

IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Gateway Accessible

II located at 6837 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130 in accordance with regulations outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and in accordance with the Gateway Accessible Housing II Tenant Selection Plan for the above project will close the ONE BEDROOM waiting list for all individuals that are disabled on August 8, 2017.

Applications will be available to the public and accepted each business day during office at the Gateway Accessible Housing II Leasing Office, 6837 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130. In addition to the tenant selection criteria, eligibility is based on annual income limits which vary by household size and location. Federal fiscal year 2017 Income limits may be found at www.HUD.gov.

Gateway Accessible Housing II Apartments shall not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, familial status, disability, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity in the leasing, rental or other disposition of housing. There is no application fee, picture ID, s.s. card and proof of income required. No applications for this notice will be accepted after August 8, 2017 at 4:00PM.

If you have any questions, please call the leasing office at 314-7256694.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #2017-46-TP COUNTYWIDE BUILDING DEMOLITION ON-CALL CONTRACTOR

St. Louis County, Missouri is seeking proposals from qualified firms to serve as an on-call contractor for the clearance and demolition of derelict structures throughout St. Louis County. This project is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. The Request for Proposal can be obtained by accessing the County’s website at http://www.stlouisco.com/bid on County Business. Please direct inquiries in writing to County Procurement at TParker@stlouisco.com.

Proposals must be received at St. Louis County, Division of Procurement, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Mo 63105 prior to July 31st, 2017 @ 2:00 pm, CST. Proposals received after this date will not be considered.

St. Louis County reserves the right to waive informalities and to reject any and all proposals submitted.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Gateway Accessible Housing III located at 164 Kinswood Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129 in accordance with regulations outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and in accordance with the Gateway Accessible Housing III Tenant Selection Plan for the above project will close the ONE and TWO BEDROOM waiting list for all individuals that are disabled on August 10, 2017. Applications will be available to the public and accepted each business day during office at the Gateway Accessible Housing III Leasing Office, 164 Kinswood Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129. In addition to the tenant selection criteria, eligibility is based on annual income limits which vary by household size and location. Federal fiscal year 2017 Income limits may be found at www.HUD.gov. Gateway Accessible Housing III Apartments shall not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, familial status, disability, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity in the leasing, rental or other disposition of housing. There is no application fee, picture ID, s.s. card and proof of income required. No applications for this notice will be accepted after August 10, 2017 at 4:00PM.

If you have any questions, please call the leasing office at 314-2009219.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

(“Lemay”),

The work generally consists of the abatement of asbestos containing material, the abatement of household hazardous waste, the demolition of the structure, the removal of demolition debris, site clearing and grading. Bid documents may be obtained by requesting said documents from Cross Rhodes Reprographics website at www.x-rhodes.com. LHP will accept sealed bids for the work at its office submitted to Attn: Executive Director until Friday, July 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at which timeand place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any questions and/or clarification should bedirected to the Executive Director, Lemay Housing Partnership Inc. at (314) 631-9905. The project will be funded in part through a grant from the St Louis County Port Authority. All related funding regulations shall be in full force and effect. LHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Terminal Railroad Association

The Housing Authority of the City of East St. Louis (ESLHA)

Friday, June 30, 2017, 3:00 pm

NO BIDS ACCEPTED AFTER DEADLINE

For more information, contact Cassandra Coulter at 618-646-7110, ccoulter@eslha.org or visit www.eslha.org. TDDY 1-800-545-1833 ext. 471.

ESLHA reserves the right to cancel the IFB reject any or all bids, and waive minor informalities for bidders as deemed necessary by ESLHA and the public’s best interest.

ESLHA is a fair housing and equal opportunity employer.

Submitted by:

Religion

Rev. Carlton Lee mourned and praised at funeral

Pastor of Flood Christian Church in Ferguson passed June 12 at age 34

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

San Francisco Temple was packed at 10 a.m. on the morning of June 22 for the funeral of the Reverend Carlton Lee. At only 34 years old, he passed away of a sudden heart attack on June 13.

The mourners gathered to celebrate the good works Lee managed to achieve in a relatively short life. As the pastor of Flood Christian Church in Ferguson, Lee was remembered, by all who gave remarks about his life, as “a true servant” of his congregation and community. There were so many people lined up to give remarks, each person speaking was strictly limited to two minutes.

“And I’m going to time you!” said Reverend Ralph Petty, who was presiding over the funeral.

Those speaking wanted to celebrate Carlton Lee’s life. Bishop Luther James Blackwell, of San Francisco Temple (which hosted the ceremony), said the time was

Photo by Wiley Price

Lee rose to national fame in 2014, as Michael Brown Sr.’s pastor. Michael Brown Sr. was present at the ceremony, though he did not speak.

Tasha Davis, executive pastor at the Flood, was grateful for all Lee did for her. “He taught me how to serve,” she said. “And he taught me how to pray. He was a servant, and he loved people, despite what they were going through.”

That spirit of being a servant was evident in the past several years of Lee’s life. When his church was burned down during the unrest in Ferguson, and in the years since, he has been rebuilding his congregation.

“People ask me, ‘What are you going to do now that the Flood is gone?’” said Davis. “And I say, ‘No, baby, don’t you smell the rain?’”

Lee is survived by his wife, Chanel Lee, and five children.

At the funeral it was announced that, in order to help the family after the death of their father, San Francisco Temple would set up a 529 educational money management plan for each child, starting with $200 to go towards the future education of each of Lee’s children, and has started a GoFundMe to help pay for his children’s expenses.

God keeps His promises

right “not to focus on what’s wrong, but to focus on what’s right.”

The ceremony, amid all the crying and praying, did have some humor. Bishop Wyatt Greenlee called Lee a

“winner.” He referenced the time Steve Harvey called out the wrong winner at the Ms. Universe Pageant, pulled out an envelope, and said, “The winner is Reverend Carlton Lee!”

In addition, San Francisco Temple, 10191 Halls Ferry Rd., will hold a community day on Saturday, July 15 named for Pastor Lee.

“If Carlton were here, I know he would love all of this right here,” said Petty. “He was a praiser.”

From the beginning of my faith walk, I always found it amazing that what once were considered rather ordinary phrases, before finding God through Christ, I heard as very powerful statements after saying yes to the Lord. I mean, sermons arose out of everyday events; testimonies were released from childhood memories, while little nuances of speech even now take on a whole new meaning. I sometimes believe it is the Word becoming more manifest in our lives. For example, you’ve all heard or talked about the light at the end of the tunnel. Be it a freight train, a bus, or a truck, the intent of the phrase is you need to be careful. That light indicates for the most part trouble is headed your way. Now that phrase came up in a bible study I attended as part of someone’s testimony and you know what we determined? In the life of a practicing Christian, that Light represents what we strive for, what we hope for, what we pray for and what we have faith in. That light is God. I believe this because, as a Christian, I have a new perspective on the tunnel. You remember the tunnel. For the purpose of this column, let’s agree that life is a tunnel. We are in a passage way full of trial, tribulation, temptation and at times the most serious of negative circumstances. Of course life is not always

like that, but if you live long enough, you’ll experience your fair share of hard times in life’s long dark tunnel. Let me proclaim today and shout as loudly as I can that there is Light at the end of your tunnel. For me, that Light represents God’s promise. And so we can all be on the same page about this, let’s review God’s promise. “Remember your promise to me, your servant; it has given me hope. Even in my suffering I was comforted because your promise gave me life.” Psalm 119:49-50. You see one thing I do know is that God keeps His promises. So when your tunnel is at its darkest point, focus on God’s promise. In the Old Testament when God was pretty much upset with Israel and exercised His power to be who He is, still the promise, “Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in your youth and I will establish an everlasting covenant.” Ezekiel 16:60. Now if you look at these references and apply them to the life and death and life of Jesus Christ, the promise is clear. We make it out of the tunnel and live in the light of eternity. I understand the promise. And even though this tunnel can be dark and damp and cold, the Way is plotted, the Truth is known and the Light of the World is here. We must remember to flip the switch of faith that makes this Light come on.

Columnist James Washington

City of Refuge Christian Church the Rev. Ralph Petty officiated over the homegoing services of Rev. Carlton Lee on June 22 at San Francisco Temple.

July 6th, 2017 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Black teen files wrongful incarceration suit against St. Louis

ESL race ‘pogrom’ remembered

World-class cancer care comes to N. County

THE GRILL MEAT

Too black for the badge, too blue for the brothers

Editorial /CommEntary

Political payback still holds St. Louis back

Workhouse is hell for poor people not yet convicted of a crime

Letters to the editor

Prohibitively expensive insurance

Babies meet in City Garden

Hazelwood starts new student enrollment July 17

More cops is not the answer to crime

CANCER

HOOSMAN

ArchCity Defenders gives awards for Excellence in Poverty Journalism

Rebecca Rivas of The American wins in Medium Media Market Category

Missouri has second most racial terror lynchings outside the Deep South

Equal Justice Initiative reports 60 in the state

Racial equity and tax incentive policy in St. Louis

Weak reform

Police chief search forum

St. Louis American holds two-week STEM camp for 5th and 6th graders

Outside the classroom

Guest Speakers

Business

On the road to entrepreneurship

Conference connected people hoping to start businesses with mentors and investors

Pruitt vows the NAACP will monitor privatization process at airport

How to purposefully and successfully transition to a single income

PRUITT

CONFERENCE

McLemore signs with Memphis

Former Wellston High basketball standout leaving Sacramento

SportS EyE

Plenty Latinos, few African-American players part of MLB All-Star rosters

Surging ahead

Talent, teamwork and coaching make the win for St. Louis Surge

CLUTCH

INSIDE

Neidorff, Burkhart to co-chair United Way campaign

St. Louis reaches land transfer agreement for new NGA site

Financial Focus

Living It

Grown man hip-hop 101

Akon’s Fair St. Louis homecoming

E. Faye Butler co-stars in ‘A Funny Thing’

Black & Single

concerts

The Guide

local gigs

special events

lectures and workshops

health

theatre

spiritual

SINGLE

MUNY

Celebrations

Centenarians

Reunions

Swag Snap of the Week

St. LouiS american Career Center

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

LIFE GUARDS NEEDED

POLICE OFFICER

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Public Works Street/Park Laborer

JEWISH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE MANAGER

FIREMEDIC

PASTOR

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

PARTNERSHIP SALES & SERVICES MANAGER

PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER NEEDED